Anti-semitic Agitation Reported on Decline in Argentina

“A significent decline of anti-Semitic agitation can be observed” in Argentina, according to Nehemias Resnizky, outgoing president of the DAIA, the central representative body of Argentine Jewry. Resnizky made that observation recently in the course of a review of events during the past decade when he served the DAIA first as secretary general and later as its president. He said it demonstrated “the understanding of the (Argentine) authorities of the anxieties expressed by the Jewish community.”

Addressing Jewish community leaders, Resnizky recalled the years 1973-75 when Peronism made its comeback in Argentina. At that time, under the mask of anti-Zionism and anti-imperialism, anti-Jewish publications flourished, he said, under the protection of the pro-Arab Minister Jose Lopez Rega, the alleged lover of Israel (Evita) Peron.

He said that after the military revolution on March 24, 1976, the DAIA made great efforts to alert government officials and public opinion to the dangers anti-Semitism posed for the peaceful coexistence of all Argentine citizens. The situation has improved now, he asserted. But prior to 1976, when leftist elements were free to spread their propaganda, they joined rightist groups in agitating against the Jewish community, though always claiming they were not fighting Jews but Zionist imperialist agents. There are still isolated anti-Semitic incidents, however, Resnizky noted, the most recent being the bombing of a rabbinical seminary several months ago. Resnizky reminded his audience that the DAIA has been fighting against the “Moral and Civic Formations” which has a “clear (Catholic) confessional connotation.” He said it was not possible to predict the outcome.

Meanwhile, the DAIA itself is having difficulty finding a new president to succeed Resnizky. According to DAIA sources the most likely candidate is Jose Kestelman who is willing to assume the post but has been unable to put together a leadership team.