Suit was brought here today against Wilhelm, Silgart, deputy chairman of the “German Party” in Berlin on charges of attacking Jews in public speeches. The suit was filed in court by the Association of Nazi Victims which characterized Herr Silgart’s anti-Jewish statements as “incitement” and “public insult.”
Although Chancellor Adenauer has included the “German Party” in his governmental coalition in Bonn and in some of the German states, this group does not hide its pro-Nazi attitude here in Berlin. During the last election of the city parliament, a fracas with anti-Semitic overtones developed at a “German Party” meeting in the huge “Sports-palast” meeting hall, which is inextricably identified in the public mind with Nazi propaganda demonstrations.
“As once before, the Jews play a leading role in press and politics, in economic life and in the administration of justice,” Silgradt told his audience, and cautioned that it might become necessary to take “defensive measures” against them. He did not mind admitting that crimes had occurred under Hitler, he said, and in any case the Jewish problem had been tackled “ineptly” but, “as Goebbels already put it at the time, that was a natural reaction to the revolting atrocity-mongering against Germany conducted by the international Jewish organizations.” At another point in his talk, Silgradt stated that “anyone who raised up his hand against Hitler during the war, thereby hit the German people.” This observation was greeted by prolonged applause.
Meanwhile, several hundred Berliners braved the joy blasts of the coldest winter weather in years to attend the charter meeting of the “Fighting League Against Nazism,” a new non-partisan, group that has dedicated itself to combating the resurgence of neo-Nazism. The League warned in it initial proclamation that there are about two score small Nazi groups in Berlin, more than 100 neo-Nazi organizations, and upward of 40 neo-Nazi periodicals in West Germany. In addition, a host of rightist radicals, of foes of democracy, have infiltrated the political parties, governmental agencies, economic and cultural life. Indifference toward the danger they represent would be suicidal.” the proclamation stressed.
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.
