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Displaced Persons Camps

As World War II drew to a close, JDC marshalled its forces to meet a crisis of staggering proportions, racing to ensure that tens of thousands of newly liberated Jews would survive to enjoy the fruits of freedom. By late 1945, some 75,000 Jewish survivors of the Nazi horrors had crowded into the displaced-persons (DP) camps that were hastily set up in Germany, Austria, and Italy. Conditions were abominable, with many subjected to anti-Semitism and hostile treatment.

Public Health Posters in the DP Camps

Public Health Posters in the DP Camps

From the Collections

Fighting disease through awareness Jessica Haba, Artifacts and Ephemera Collection Intern Postwar public health posters uncovered in the JDC Archives illustrate the comprehensive medical programming JDC undertook to assist survivors in the wake of the Holocaust. These...

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Artwork and Oranges

Artwork and Oranges

From the Collections

A moment of postwar joy shared between Saly Mayer and Jewish refugee children Abra Cohen, Artifacts Curator and Outreach Coordinator Wedged between piles of documents filed away in the folders of archival boxes housed on shelves in warehouses, artifacts and artwork...

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2025 JDC Archives Fellows Announced

2025 JDC Archives Fellows Announced

For Researchers

Supporting cutting-edge research in the JDC Archives The JDC Archives is pleased to announce that it has awarded six new fellowships for 2025. JDC Archives Fellowships are awarded each year to deserving scholars engaged in graduate level, post-doctoral, or independent...

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The Jointnik Behind JDC’s Iconic Logo

The Jointnik Behind JDC’s Iconic Logo

My Story

Resilience, art, and enduring legacy Ayala Levin-Kruss, Senior Processing Archivist and Jerusalem Site Manager Morris Wyszogrod’s connection to JDC spanned continents and decades. I had the privilege of knowing him during the final chapter of his JDC journey, when I...

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Young people being shown how to transplant seedlings in a JDC sponsored training class at the Bergen-Belsen DP camp.
The care of orphaned children became a top priority for JDC. These Polish orphans came via Czechoslovakia to a transient camp in Vienna. After their immediate need for rest, food, clothing, and medical attention was addressed, orphans were sent to JDC children’s homes in France, Switzerland, England, and other countries when possible. Others were placed in separate children’s sections of the DP camps. Austria, c. 1946.
At a JDC-sponsored medical dispensary in Munich, children were inoculated against contagious diseases--a vital part of the health program. Germany, c. 1949.
These young boys received religious instruction at the yeshiva in Wels camp. Rabbis and teachers instructing the Jewish youngsters received special compensation from JDC. Austria, c. 1948.
During the war, Babenhausen was a crude barracks used to hold prisoners. The first Jews arriving there, in late September 1946, still faced deplorable conditions. JDC representatives met them with supplementary food and clothing and immediately began efforts to obtain better lodgings for the winter, especially for families with small children. By the time this Polish mother and her children arrived, a substantial community with several schools had been established. Germany, c. 1947.
In Vienna, too, a seemingly endless flood of Jewish survivors from Poland, then Romania, streamed in from Eastern Europe, overloading the established camps. JDC helped transform the dilapidated Rothschild Hospital into a makeshift camp and lobbied UNRRA to absorb it into the DP camp network. Normally housing 600, every inch of space was used to make room for the thousands of refugees heading towards the more permanent camps in Austria or Germany. Austria, c. 1947.
Students in Riedenburg camp's Hebrew School studied the "Shema" prayer, Austria, c. 1947, Jan Breit.
By September 1945, JDC had been given official sanction to aid in the DP camps, and its teams had begun to arrive. In Bamberg, JDC’s headquarters were noted on the U.S. Army camp sign. Germany, c. 1946, Al Taylor.
Foehrenwald had been one of the best-run. It became the last to close, functioning until 1957 as a home for those with no place to go. JDC maintained a presence there until 1954, helping residents financially until the end, but camp oversight was transferred to the German government by the end of 1951. Germany, c. 1951, Al Taylor.
Two refugees born in flight from Poland were held by their proud fathers in Vienna. At all stages of their journey, they received JDC assistance. Their well-being would be looked after in the more stable environment of a "permanent" camp, with supplementary food, medical and child care services provided by JDC. Austria, c. 1946.

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Remembering David Guzik

Remembering David Guzik

Stalwart JDC leader aided thousands in Warsaw Ghetto Although the story of JDC hero David Guzik has been well documented, it is worth recalling his courage and dedication as we observe the 80th anniversary of his tragic death. Guzik joined the JDC Warsaw office as an...

When the Circus Came to Town: A Hidden Gem from the Archives

When the Circus Came to Town: A Hidden Gem from the Archives

A little-known circus performance in postwar Berlin reveals how JDC brought joy, healing, and a sense of normalcy to Jewish child survivors. Rebecca Weintraub, Senior Processing Archivist, JDC Archives, New York What comes to mind when you hear the word “circus”?...

Rabbi Joseph Lookstein’s Postwar Mission to South America

Rabbi Joseph Lookstein’s Postwar Mission to South America

A scrapbook captures his speaking tour urging Latin American Jewry to support JDC relief work in Europe. Abra Cohen, Artifacts Curator and Outreach Coordinator Immediately following World War II, JDC appealed to global Jewish communities for help funding its relief...