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
Depth, Innovation & Misnagdim Turned Chassidim: The Dynasty of Izhbitz
Jerusalem of the Balkans: The Glory of Jewish Salonika
Zion on the Niagara: Mordecai Manuel Noah & a Jewish Homeland in Upstate New York
Operation Reinhard: The Nazi Extermination of Polish Jewry
Tanks, Trenches and Tefillos: The Nazi Attempt to Conquer the Holy Land
Unlikeliest of Saviors: The Story of Chinese Diplomat Feng Shan Ho
Rav Kook Part I: From Volozhin to Jaffa
Mineral Baths, Hammocks & Shirt Sleeves: Pre war Torah leaders on Vacation
The Great Escape: The Belzer Rebbe & the Farewell Speech in Budapest
The Making of a Rebbe: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Rise to Leadership
Streets Paved With Gold: The Mass Wave of Jewish Immigration
Operation Thunderbolt: The Heroes & Villains of the Raid on Entebbe
Foreign Minister of the Eidah HaChareidis: The Strange Story of Dr. Jacob de Haan
Yossele Rosenblatt and the Golden Age of Chazzanus
Tach V'Tat: A Revised History of the Chmielnicki Massacres
The Baal Shem Tov Part III
Antisemitism, Immigration & Athletes: Current Events as Lessons at Mir Yeshiva
Yankees Abroad: Foreigners in the Great European Yeshivas Part II
R' Chaim of Volozhin & Chassidus
The Golden Age of Slabodka: Part III
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Tablet Studios
For Heaven’s Sake
Unpacking Israeli History
Judaism Unbound
Chutzpod!