Navy Asked to Study Role of Anti-semitism in Chasanow Case

Lauding the Navy Department for clearing and reinstating Abraham Chasanow, who had been dismissed as a “security” risk, the American Jewish Congress today called upon Secretary of the Navy Charles S. Thomas to determine whether anti-Semitism was the basis of the false accusation against Chasanow.

In a letter to Secretary Thomas, Shad Polier, chairman of the AJC executive committee, also pointed out that the Chasanow case “demonstrates the need for reconsideration” of the present loyalty procedure. “Under the present loyalty program,” Mr. Polier declared, “there is far too much room for action based on suspicion, arbitrary conjecture and secrecy. The natural result is that persons of ill-will have a clear field to give vent to their prejudices.”

Mr. Polier stated further: “It is extremely gratifying to learn that Mr. Chasanow has been cleared of the charges against him, and that the Navy Department has expressed its decision in terms so clear as to end all questions as to Mr. Chasanow’s loyalty. The question of anti-Semitism, however, remains. Since Mr. Chasanow was falsely accused, there is still the possibility that the proceeding against him was prompted, in part, by hostility towards Jews. The disquiet caused by the charge of anti-Semitism cannot be allayed solely by the clearance of a particular employee involved. It is essential that the Navy Department determine whether any of the personnel involved in the Chasanow proceeding was guilty of anti-Semitism, and that it make public the results of that investigation.”