Congressman Expresses Concern over Increasing Anti-Semitism in Argentina

Rep. Joshua Eilberg. Pennsylvania Democrat, has advised the Argentine ambassador here of his "grave concern" over increasing anti-Semitic terrorism in Argentina. In what Eilberg called "a frank exchange of views" with Ambassador Pedro Real, the Congressman said he was especially worried by the "apparent reluctance" of Argentine authorities to take effective action against perpetrators of violence against the Jewish community in that country. Eilberg said Real deplored anti-Semitism but claimed the acts in question were not unique but part of a larger problem of urban guerrilla agitation against the government and foreign institutions. "The record shows," Eilberg demurred, "that certain anti-Semitic groups were attacking Jewish institutions before the recent increase in terrorist activity in Argentina, and, if the past is any guide to the future, these attacks will continue even if the general problem of urban favoritism is checked." The Philadelphia legislator gave Real a 13-page study documenting his charges. He added his concern over reported favoritism toward anti-Semitic groups by the government because of blood ties or connections with governmental, military and church leaders. Eilberg, a member of the Subcommittee on Immigration and Nationality, visited South America last November and found that Argentine anti-Semitism not only existed but sometimes manifested itself "in a most virulent form." He and Real agreed to discuss the matter further. Among those attending their Wednesday meeting was Rabbi Morton M. Rosenthal, director of the Department of Latin American Affairs of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith. Of Argentina’s estimated population of 24.3 million approximately 500,000 are Jews giving that country by far the highest total of Jews in South America and the third-highest total in North. South and Central America and the West Indies.