Criticism of the slowness of restitution in Germany was voiced by Dr. Heinz Galinski, head of the Jewish community of Berlin, in a broadcast over the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation originating here. Dr. Galinski’s voice, and that of several other Jews and a German on the program, were recorded in Germany and Canada in advance of the 30-minute broadcast which presented Jewry’s views of Germany today.
Dr. Galinski asserted that not only was the progress of restitution disappointing, but the government had failed to act against anti-Semitism and former Nazis were again in high positions “while the Jewish people have to fight for their existence.” He noted that democratic organizations in Germany were “on our side.”
Sol Hayes, director of the Canadian Jewish Congress, who was asked whether any German Jews now in Canada would want to return to Germany, replied in the negative, adding that the closer their connection with Germany now “the greater their bitterness, and financial restitution does nothing to temper it.” Mr. Hayes noted that fear that Germany’s moral strength lies mainly in Chancellor Konrad Adenauer and if he were to leave anti-democratic forces might gain power.
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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.