Increased Jewish Emigration Needs Reported Exceeding Hias Budget

Sharply increased Jewish emigration needs in various countries are exceeding the anticipated 1961 income of the United Hias Service, the global Jewish migration agency, it was reported here today by Murray I. Gurfein, president.

“The number of migrants United Hias Service helped bring to lands of permanent settlement in the first eight months of 1961 is already 50 percent higher than anticipated at the beginning of the year, and there is every indication that the tempo of activity will continue to increase in the months ahead, confronting us with a possible deficit of $438,000,” Mr. Gurfein stated.

“In round numbers, this means that the agency’s program of resettlement for the twelvemonth period must be revised upwards from the original estimate of 4,000 refugees and migrants to more than 6,600,” he said.

“Migration aid and related services given to Jewish refugees from Cuba is a major factor in the sharp increase, but does not tell the whole story,” he noted, adding: “The number of migrants from Europe and the Middle East, who are being resettled in the U. S., Canada, Latin America, Australia and other countries, has also gone beyond original estimates.”

James P. Rice, executive director of United Hias Service, who returned this week from a tour of the agency’s overseas offices, expressed the view that “the upward trend in assistance to migrants will continue, and may even exceed present increased estimates.” He revealed that “there is a swelling number of Jewish persons in European and other trouble spots who are seeking our help to find a home in safety and freedom.”

Fulfillment of the agency’s campaign goal “has a direct bearing on our ability to meet these urgent appeals for help,” he declared. The goal of the membership campaign is $115,000. The drive is being conducted through a general membership solicitation, in addition to special campaigns in 25 professions, trades and local communities.