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Argentine Jewry’s Great Protest Demonstration

March 30, 1933
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Yesterday’s protest demonstration against mistreatment of Jews in Germany was unequaled as a manifestation of Jewish solidarity in the history of Argentine. All Jewish shops were closed, and the synagogues were crowded with worshippers who recited the same prayers as were prepared for the special occasion by the leaders of the American Orthodox Congregations. Buenos Aires great synagogue in Libertad Street presented a most impressive sight. It was packed with worshippers, who listened with the utmost sympathy and profound anxiety to addresses detailing the sufferings of German Jewry.

The demonstration at the synagogue was opened by the President of the Community, Gluksman, and was also addressed by three Anglican clergymen.

A great mass meeting held in the evening was attended by some thirty thousand people. Among the speakers were Nathan Gesang, Dr. Dikman, a member of the Argentine Parliament, and Dr. Bung, Vice-President of the Argentine Parliament. The latter condemned Hitlerism and advised a boycott of German goods. The audience vociferously applauded Alderman Gonsalez Iramain, who declared that the Jewish race was indestructible, as its culture had been adopted by the whole world.

Nazis, who attempted to disturb the meeting, were quickly expelled. The demonstrations have produced a profound impression and have evoked sympathetic comment in the press. In particular, Jewish circles point to the desperate need of holding the World Jewish Congress this year in order to decide on how the situation may best be met.

Similar protest demonstrations have been held in the larger Argentine cities.

The Thirteenth Argentine Zionist Conference, coinciding with the protest movement, was opened on Saturday and lasted until today. The proceedings were marked with the greatest enthusiasm for the upbuilding of Palestine, which was unanimously described as an indispensable refuge for stricken Jewry in times such as these. A new Executive Committee was elected with Nathan Gesang as President.

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