THE AID OFFERED TO POLISH CITIZENS OF JEWISH ORIGIN IN THE FAR EAST IN THE YEARS 1940–1941

Abstract

This article presents the activities of Polish organizations, especially the Polish Committee for Aid to the Victims of War, operating in the Far East during the Second World War. Its main concern is with efforts undertaken in support of Polish citizens of Jewish origin who embarked on a long journey outside Europe in search of refuge from the war. The basic research method adopted in the preparation of this article was the analysis of documents and reports left by the Committee. From the research conducted, I found out how over two thousand people–Polish citizens of Jewish origin–received help. Thanks to the commitment and devotion not only of members of the Committee mentioned above but also of the Polish diaspora and the Polish Embassy in Tokyo, over two thousand Polish refugees found shelter in Japan and then, after obtaining exit visas, traveled further to Canada, Palestine, Australia, Burma, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States of America, South America, or Shanghai. The Committee also provided them with material aid. The help and support they received allowed them to reach a place of safety away from the war and start afresh.