2,000 Attend First Public Debate on Anti-semitism in Union of Soviet Russia

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The first public debate on the question of anti-Semitism in Soviet Russia was held here yesterday under the chairmanship of Smidovitch, vice-president of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics.

Two thousand persons were present at the debate in which Semashko, J. Larin, Dr. A Bragin, Kozloff, Professor Sakulin, Reisner and Klutchnikoff participated.

All the speakers admitted the existence of anti-Semitism in Soviet Russia. Anti-Semitism is stronger among the governmental employees and the middle classes and weaker among the workingmen and peasantry. The reason for the existing anti-Semitism and prejudice is the fear of Jewish competition. With the industrial and cultural development of the country, which will provide employment for millions, anti-Semitism will vanish, together with its cause, the speakers declared.

The address of Klutchnikoff, which was a poorly disguised anti-Semitic speech, constituted an exception. He was constantly interrupted by the audience. The unfriendly feeling toward the Jews, Klutchnikoff stated, is a natural result of the hurt inflicted upon the Russian national feeling when it is observed that the Jews are overpowering Russians in all fields, he stated.

J. Larin, replying to Klutchnikoff, reminded him of his past affiliation with the army of the contrarevolutionary General Koltchak. He charged him also with contrarevolutionary tendencies. He warned that such things would not be tolerated.

The Women’s Auxiliary of Temple Emanu-El, under the leadership of Mrs. Jacob Wertheim, and the officers and Board of Directors will give a luncheon on January sixth, at the Hotel Ambassador.

This reunion is the first one since the foundation of the organization, nearly five years ago.

Professor John Erskine of Columbia University, author of “The Private Life of Helen of Troy” and of “Galahad” Chevalier de la Legion d’Houneur, is to address the gathering.