British Jews Intervene with Rumanian Minister on Jewish Emigration

A delegation from the Board of Deputies of British Jews called on the Rumanian Minister to London to discuss lowering of emigration barriers in Rumania for Israel-bound Jews, the Board’s foreign affairs committee reported here today.

During the meeting, the Board delegates stressed the humanitarian aspects of reuniting families divided between Israel and Rumania when the Bucharest Government suddenly clamped a lid on Jewish emigration some years back. The Board also raised the question of Rumanian Zionist leaders who, following their release from prison several years ago, were promised permission to leave for Israel but still have not been provided with the necessary exit documents.

The foreign affairs committee’s announcement said that it received reports from abroad that some 1,800 Jews have been allowed to quit Rumania for Israel. On the other hand, these reports speak of many new arrests among Rumanian Jews. Pending clarification of the picture, the Board has decided to hold up further action.

The Board’s foreign affairs unit also expressed concern over recent actions of the Bourguiba Government of Tunisia–the friendliest toward Jews in any of the Arab states–which dissolved Jewish communal organizations, set up new groups to represent the Jews, and appointed a Chief Rabbi without prior consultation with the communities, Although the civic rights of Jews have not been interfered with, the government “frowns upon” any relationships between Jews in Tunisia and Jews abroad, it was pointed out.

Meanwhile, another Board unit, the Trades Advisory Council, lashed out today at the wave of violence in Britain springing from racial prejudice. Offering its support to the government and voluntary organizations seeking to “stamp out this evil,” the council, which concerns itself with ant-Semitism and discrimination in industry and commerce, called for “practical steps in the creation of goodwill between all races and peoples of all religions.”