Abandon All Hope… No existence abroad for German Jews
Source : Israelitisches Familienblatt 2. June 1933
From day to day we receive more requests by co-religionists, who have lost their jobs and their existence due to the changing conditions in their homeland, Germany. Many turn to us to ask where they might begin, where they might build a new existence abroad. It is a difficult and responsible task for us to advise all the lawyers, doctors, independent businessmen and tradesmen, all employees etc. The editors are not omniscient, and they have to date not had additional information regarding employment opportunities for German Jews abroad. Still, we wish to provide a realistic picture of existing opportunities for those who wish to make the effort to find a new existence abroad. And to spare those forced by circumstances to take up the walking-stick from bitter disappointments, we have asked our foreign correspondents to report on the current situation in their respective countries. The following is the essence of their reports which ΓÇô we must state from the outset ΓÇô agree in an uncanny way on one point: The opportunities for German Jewish emigrants everywhere are close to nil.
Austria
With regard to local conditions, Jewish lawyers and other academically trained individuals who were dismissed in Germany can hardly expect employment here.
Denmark
Many German Jews already reside in Copenhagen. Foreigners are prohibited from earning money, unless self-employed. Knowledge of the language is essential. Moreover, Denmark too has high unemployment.
England
Difficulties arise immediately upon entry into England, as the immigration authorities must be presented with unobjectionable references and proof of sufficient funds. Even if these exist, however, foreigners can stay no longer than two weeks in the country. In a number of instances, well-known doctors have gained work permits and some students of medicine have been able to enter courses in nursing at the Jewish community's large hospital in London. But other academics, not to mention non-academics, are unable to find employment, as the Interior Ministry issues very few work permits for England in general.
France
There are some prospects for academically trained Germans who were dismissed in Germany throughout France. This is less true, however, in Alsace and in Paris. It is essential to make local connections. Nothing can be achieved by means of correspondence. It is especially difficult for orthodox Jews to find a position. A considerable number of German Jews has recently arrived, but the situation is unfortunately such that it is extremely difficult to find sources of support for them.
Holland
A relief committee for German Jewish intellectuals exists in Amsterdam. However, it does not function as an employment agency, since it is nearly impossible for foreigners to obtain work. There are no opportunities either for academically trained Germans or for merchants.
Lithuania
There is as yet no relief committee in the capital, Kovno. It is comparatively easy to acquire an entry permit for Lithuania, but it is absolutely impossible for a foreigner to receive a work permit.
Luxembourg
There are no employment opportunities of any sort for German Jewish immigrants. Luxembourg is a small country and pursues a clear policy of protection of domestic labour. The only opportunity to establish an existence here ΓÇô and this too is limited ΓÇô is available to people with their own capital, who might establish some form of industry not yet represented in the country.
Portugal
According to inquires with local authorities, it is close to impossible for academically trained German Jews to find work, due to manifold difficulties. This is true in particular of lawyers. Even contacts with influential people cannot change this reality. The situation for doctors is a bit easier, and is more promising yet in the colonies and provinces. Opportunities in export and in farming are relatively favourable, assuming the availability of sufficient funds.
Sweden
It is absolutely out of the question for foreigners to gain employment in this country. This is due to local unemployment, and to the fact that foreigners need work permits, which are in principal not granted. Even the Jews of Sweden oppose further immigration, which, they fear, may increase the danger of anti-Semitism in Sweden.
Switzerland
In sympathy for German Jews, Switzerland has opened wide its hospitable gates. However, it is not in a position to grant residence permits to people seeking employment.
Spain
Due to the labour law of October 1st, 1932, foreigners may not seek employment in Spain. The only way to achieve something is to purchase land, if one has the necessary funds.
Czechoslovakia
In light of the difficult economic situation in Czechoslovakia, there are no serious prospects for lawyers, doctors or others immigrants from Germany.
We did not inquire into the situation in the Holy Land with our staff, as everyone who wishes to go there may get extensive information in the Palestine office [Palaestina amt] (Berlin, Meineckestr. 10). We have also disregarded overseas countries, as no reliable reports are available from there. The ΓÇ£German Jewish Aid OrganisationΓÇ¥ [Hilfsverein] (Berlin, Martin-Lutherstr. 91) and the ΓÇ£Central Committee for Jewish economic aidΓÇ¥, and its branches in the larger communities, provide information on immigration prospects. We reserve the option to report in the near future on Belgium, Italy, Poland and perhaps Latvia, Finland and Norway, which are missing from the above list.
