Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Jews in Hungarian Town Panic-stricken As Thousands of Anti-semitic Demonstrators Riot

August 4, 1946
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Jewish community of Miskolc, 80 miles from here, where two Jews were lynched earlier this week, is in a state of panic following outbreaks by thousands of anti-Semitic demonstrators.

Minister of the Interior Laszlo Rajk has arrived in the city. Before leaving, he said, that, if necessary, he will call upon Red Army occupation troops to maintain order. Police have been ordered to fire at demonstrators who refuse to disperse.

Enraged because 16 persons who participated in the murder of the two Jews had been arrested, a crowd broke into the police building at Miskolc yesterday and murdered Arthur Fraenkel, a Jew, who was head of the political investigation department.

The murder climaxed a demonstration by 25,000 persons who marched through the town demanding the release of the sixteen. Jewish circles charge that the police did little to curb the rioters.

The two original victims, millers named Frendreisz and Rejtoe, had been charged with violating price regulations. As police were taking them to a labor camp, they were set upon by a group of iron workers from the Diosgyoer and Ozd plants.

There are indications that there had been considerable agitation in the iron works and that the lynchings were not spontaneous. An inter-party rally was held at the Diosgyoer plant last night, and speakers appealed to the workers to remain calm.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement