The Soviets charged the refugees exorbitant fees for the exit visas and travel expenses. The Joint and the Vaad Hatzalah provided funds for these costs, with Rav Avraham Kalmanowitz investing herculean efforts to ensure the Mir contingent were able to fund their escape. Many refugees sold their personal belongings. They then embarked on a 10-12 day train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railroad across the vast expanses of the Soviet Union, arriving in the port city of Vladivostok. From there the Sea of Japan was crossed and the refugees settled temporarily in Kobe and Yokohama.
The refugees received a generally warm reception from the local Japanese as well as the small local Jewish community. When it became evident that Curacao wasn’t going to be practical as a final destination, Japanese and Jewish activists interceded with the Japanese Imperial government to extend the refugee’s visas. As a result, the refugee community was able to remain in Japan for several months.
Cross River, a leading financial institution committed to supporting its communities, is proud to sponsor Jewish History Soundbites. As a trusted partner for individuals and businesses, Cross River understands the importance of preserving and celebrating our heritage. By sponsoring this podcast, they demonstrate their unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of the communities in which they serve. Visit Cross River at https://www.crossriver.com/
Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites
For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: yehuda@yehudageberer.com
Here Comes Rav Beinush! Stories of the Mir Rosh Yeshiva Rav Beinush Finkel
The History Of The Volozhin Yeshiva Part II: The Rise To Fame
An Uncharted Path: The Story of Rav Baruch Rabinowitz of Munkatch
Tales from the House of Rimanov
Lion of the Mir: Memories of Rav Refael Shmuelevitz
Stolin America: A Chassidic Dynasty In The New World
The History Of The Volozhin Yeshiva Part I: “The Mother Of All Yeshivas”
The Times They are a Changin': The Illustrious Roots of Rabbi Joseph B Soloveitchik
Drama In The Levant: The Story Of The Damascus Blood Libel
While Six Million Perished: FDR, Stephen Wise & American Jewry
The History of Telz Part II: From a Yeshiva...To a Movement
Aristocrats of Mussar: Tales from Kelm Part I
The Case For A Mamzer: Rav Shlomo Goren and the Langer Controversy
Zionists, Messianists or Immigrants? The Talmidei Hagra & The Controversy of the Kol Hator
A Kindled Flame: The Life of Rav Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg Part I
World War I & The Jews Part IV: From Devastation to Rehabilitation
Rudolf's Rescue Scheme: Kastner & The Attempts To Save Hungarian Jewry
It's All in the Family: The Curious Case of Mary Ben-Gurion
A Father To His People: Stories of Rav Elchonon Wasserman
The Siyum! From Feldafing To The World’s Most Famous Arena: The History of Daf Yomi Part III
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Stories Of Hope With Tzipora Grodko
The Forgotten Exodus
Kosher Money
Meaningful People
For Heaven’s Sake