The advent of World War Two brings heightened awareness to global interconnectedness and the challenges faced by forcibly displaced people.
1940's Overview
LEGEND
Events in San Diego
Events in United States
Global Events
1949
Jewish Family Services
Establishes its location in San Diego. In postwar efforts, they expand and shift their focus to family strengthening and counseling. In the 1980’s, it partners with Hebrew International Aid Society to aid refugees in resettlement in San Diego.
1948
Burma Conflict
The world’s longest running civil war, still ongoing in 2020, begins over the ethnic conflicts in Burma (Myanmar).
Arab-Israeli War
The Israeli Declaration of Independence is issued on May 14, 1948, marking the beginning of the Palestinian-Israeli war and ongoing conflict over the disputed land.
1948
Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Founded in 1921. Expands its mission during the Great Depression and begins working in refugee resettlement in the 1940’s, helping individuals and families fleeing war-torn Europe find hope and new opportunities in Northwest communities.
1940
1940
Creation of UNRWA
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is created to support in relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. The UNRWA definition of “refugee” covers Palestinians who are fleeing or being expelled from their homes during the 1948 Palestine War.
Grossmont Adult Education (GAE)
This program services refugees through English language programs to help those with foreign degrees overcome cultural struggles.
1946
Dec 22
United Declaration of Human Rights Adopted
1948
Dec 10
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations, setting fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
1948
June 25
Displaced Persons Act of 1948
The first refugee act passed by Congress, aimed to support the roughly 7 million individuals displaced after World War II. Between 1948 and 1952 (when the act expired), 350,000 refugees entered the US.