Russian Press Describes Anti-semitism in Soviet Schools and Labor Groups

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The Soviet press carries today a number of stories describing the growth of anti-Semitism in Soviet schools of various rank and in labor organizations.

Reuben Garber, a Berditchev carpenter who served in the Red Army, was driven insane by the anti-Semitic chicaneries of the officials of the labor exchange.

Garber, who was unemployed, came to the labor exchange daily in search of work. He was tormented by the officials. When he became insane he was taken to the Kieff asylum, where he died.

How the workers in a Moscow factory tormented the Jewish worker, Machlin, throwing him into a vat of hot water, was told today in the “Komsomolskaya Pravda.” The incident is discussed throughout the press.

“We are passive in fighting anti-Semifism,” declared Krinitzki, speaking on behalf of the Communist Central Committee, at a conference of workers held here. Krinitzki demanded that party members and institutions which are indifferent toward anti-Semitism, become active fighters against it.

“We do not want to sit with ‘Zhids’,” replied a group of school children of Werchne-Dneprovsk, when the teacher asked why they avoided the Communist pioneer club.

“We would like to see the Jews beaten :by Machno again,” declared another group.

The local paper in reporting the incidents asked why the teachers are indifferent to anti-Semitism in the school.

The story of anti-Semitic practices in the Minsk technical schools was told at the graduation exercises by a Jewish student who, receiving his diploma, instead of expressing his thanks declared:

“I am now going to tell the truth of the sufferings in our school. In the dormitories one Jewish student wanted to commit suicide because of the anti-Semitic practices.” The graduate declared that the school administration was despotic.

Golovanov, director of the Moscow State Opera, who was dismissed from his post because of his anti-Semitic practices, will officially leave the theatre tomorrow.

Surprise was expressed in Jewish circles here at the report of the government investigating commission, which stated that Golovanov’s anti-Semitic practices were not proven. It was pointed out that the labor union investigating commission had proved his guilt several weeks ago.