Distress among Jews is so acute that existing sources of welfare funds are no longer sufficient for the barest needs. The Jewish Winter Help organization, consequently, has decided to ask every Jew in Germany on Feb. 25 to contribute a minimum of 25 pfennigs (about ten cents).
Announcement of the appeal will be made in all synagogues on the preceding Saturday and will be linked with “the count of the Children of Israel” mentioned in the book of Moses, in which every Jew is asked for an atonement gift.
A survey just completed in five districts of the Reich reveals that the proportion of needy Jews has increased by four to 14 per cent over last Winter, while the funds available are at least one-fifth short of the absolute minimum for the remainder of the Winter.
In certain communities in these districts the destitute total is from 40 to 90 per cent of the total Jewish population. This is partly explainable by the fact that rural communities are especially open to the full force of the anti-Semitic propaganda machine.
Meanwhile, Jews have been forbidden to use the municipal facilities of the town of Koenigstein, famed mountain resort. The ban covers the use of the municipal casino, health park, swimming pool, playgrounds, parking places, and also visits to the castle ruins.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.