The pressure being brought against the German Olympic Committee by the two outstanding American sports organizations to end its discrimination against German Jewish athletes, pressure which crystallized in a resolution threatening American withdrawal of its participation in the 1936 Olympiad, will reach a climax in February. At this time judgment will be passed on the behavior of the German body toward Jewish athletes, and upon the decision hinges the question as to whether the games will take place in Berlin.
Charles L. Ornstein, member of the executive committee of the American Olympic Committee and delegate of the Jewish Welfare Board, in an interview, said Saturday that the support of foreign sports bodies will undoubtedly be given to the resolutions passed by the American Olympic Committee and the Amateur Athletic Union. Both resolutions in effect threaten withdrawal of American support of the Olympic games to be held in Berlin unless Jewish athletes are treated with the same regard extended other athletes.
Mr. Ornstein said that he is satisfied with the stand taken at the convention of the A.O.A. in Washington. The resolution passed there, based on the A.A.U. resolution, caused considerable dissension at the meeting when Brigadier-General Charles H. Sherrill warned that widespread anti-Semitism might result if the resolution were to threaten Germany. A special committee, including among its members both General Sherrill and Mr. Ornstein, reached a decision which had the support of the organization membership.
Mr. Ornstein said he is planning to visit Germany before the end of the year, and investigate personally the treatment accorded Jewish athletes.
Mr. Ornstein is a member of the housing committee of the A.O.A. and for twenty years has been engaged in athletic affairs.
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.
