(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
The Jewish community in Petrovo Selo, the scene of the ritual murder agitation last week, causing serious danger to safety, enjoys the full protection of the Jugoslav authorities. Peace and order have been fully restored by the unshaken stand of the government, the correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency found upon his arrival in the town following alarming reports.
An investigation disclosed the fact that the authorities intervened in the most efficient and speedy manner at the time when the danger was the greatest. The frenzied villagers who were aroused against the Jewish population by the spread of a false rumor, were prevented from giving vent to their wrath by extraordinary measures of military protection and arrests made of would-be attackers. The agitators spread the rumor that the Jews use Christian blood “not only for Passover but also for Rosh Hashanah.” The guard placed around Jewish houses has been removed since the population has become convinced of the earnest intention of the local authorities to protect the Jewish community at any price.
A delegation representing the Kehillah of Petrovo Selo under the leadership of Alkalai proceeded to Belgrade to intervene with the government. The delegation, which was received by Minister Kokoschek, expressed the fear of new attempts at riots on the part of the peasants because of the number of arrests made. Kokoschek telegraphed to the Petrovo Selo authorities, declaring that he will hold the officials personally responsible for the safety of the population.
The outbreaks occurred when the fifteen-year old servant girl, Marguerite Takatch, disappeared and was later found in a neighboring village suffering from exhaustion. The incident led to the spread of a ritual murder rumor. It was later established that the girl had been the victim of assault.
DR. ADLER CALLS RABBIS LUNCHEON CONFERENCE
Dr. Cyrus Adler, president of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and Dropsie College will be host to a group of prominent rabbis in this city at a luncheon today at Natalie Jungman’s 7 West 76th street.
The purpose of the luncheon as explained by Dr. Adler in his letter of invitation is to discuss a matter of vital importance to the United Synagogue of America, the parent body of Conservative Jewish congregations.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
