A report indicating that anti-Semitism has not been eliminated from political life in Germany despite energetic measures to combat it, was made public here today by the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith. The report constitutes the findings of a ten-man mission sent by the ADL to West Germany last summer at the invitation of the Bonn Government.
The report emphasizes that the whole power of “governmental authority” in West Germany is on the side of democracy and against anti-Semitism. The press, radio, television and the film industry are attempting to eradicate anti-Jewish sentiments, but many Germans are indifferent to political life. The roots of anti-Semitism planted by the Nazi regime are too deep in Germany to be eradicated within one generation, the report points out.
“The present leadership of the German Federal Republic appears to be fervently dedicated to the rehabilitation of the German people as a worthy partner in the alliance of democratic nations,” the report states. “Overt anti-Semitism and other manifestations of neo-nazism are dealt with sternly. Indeed, a Lincoln Rockwell and his American Nazi party would not have the freedom of action in West Germany today that he has in the United States. Government officials are making conscious efforts to promote democratic education throughout the country.”
The ADL group placed much hope on German youth, “that it might be free of the virus which has infected the previous generation.” The report expresses optimism on the relations between the Federal Republic and Israel. Many Germans had visited Israel and numerous communities had proclaimed their friendship for the Jewish State by making financial contribution, the report says.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
