Jews to Settle in Western Australia after WW II- Failed Plan
Introduction
After World War II, there was indeed a proposal to establish a Jewish settlement in Western Australia, though it did not come to fruition. This plan, known as the Kimberley Plan or Kimberley Scheme, was proposed by the Freeland League, a Jewish territorial organization led by Isaac Steinberg.
The Kimberley Plan
In 1939, Steinberg traveled to Australia on behalf of the Freeland League to explore the possibility of creating a large-scale Jewish settlement in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The proposal aimed to provide a safe haven for Jewish refugees fleeing persecution in Europe.
Where is Kimberly Region
Geographical Features
The Kimberley is Western Australia’s sparsely settled northern region. It’s known for large swaths of wilderness defined by rugged mountains, dramatic gorges, outback desert and isolated coastal sections. About 2 billion years ago the Kimberley Plateau was formed when its underlying continent crashed into the Australian continent. This caused the uplifting of ranges, which were then eroded by an enormous river which carried sedimentary deposits to a shallow sea.
These deposits became the Kimberley sandstones, siltstones and mudstones.
Flora and Fauna
The Kimberley is Western Australia’s sparsely settled northern region. It’s known for large swaths of wilderness defined by rugged mountains, dramatic gorges, outback desert and isolated coastal sections. About 2 billion years ago the Kimberley Plateau was formed when its underlying continent crashed into the Australian continent. This caused the uplifting of ranges, which were then eroded by an enormous river which carried sedimentary deposits to a shallow sea. These deposits became the Kimberley sandstones, siltstones and mudstones
Key aspects of the plan
The proposal of significant magnitude entails the acquisition of 7 million acres, with an initial workforce of 500 individuals designated to construct essential infrastructure.
This development is intended to accommodate approximately 75,000 Jewish refugees, who shall adhere to Commonwealth legislation while retaining complete cultural autonomy.
Furthermore, these refugees will be empowered to cultivate the region's pastoral and agricultural industries.
The scheme envisioned settling Jewish refugees in the Kimberley region
It gained support from the West Australian government, trade unions, churches, and business representatives
The plan was presented as an opportunity for Jewish people to become “growers and tillers of the soil”
Outcome and Rejection
Despite initial support, the Kimberley Plan was ultimately rejected by the Australian Commonwealth government. Prime Minister John Curtin stated in a 1943 letter that the government was “unable to see its way to depart from long-established policy in regard to alien settlement in Australia”.
Other Post-War Jewish Immigration to Australia
While the Kimberley Plan did not materialize, Australia did become a destination for many Jewish refugees after World War II:
Between 1945 and 1961, approximately 25,000 Jewish refugees migrated to Australia
This influx significantly increased the Australian Jewish population, which numbered only 23,000 in 1933
The Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) played a crucial role in aiding the resettlement of Holocaust survivors in Australia
Conclusion
It’s worth noting that despite accepting Jewish refugees, the Australian government implemented some discriminatory measures to limit Jewish immigration, including quotas and restrictions on arrivals from certain countries.
