In a long article entitled “The Balance Sheet of 1929” the Roumanian “Courrier Israelite” of January 1, presents facts and more facts to show that the “government has annulled the civic equality of the Roumanian Jews, recognized by the constitution and the laws, through the law of cults, and the law of cooperatives as well as through a series of illegal orders and statutes which ignore the elementary rights of the Roumanian Jews. It has revived and encouraged anti-Semitic disturbances and abuses by official authorization and the sanctioning of students’ associations, dissolved by the former government, and by its permanent passivity toward anti-Semitic instigation. It has denied all promises made to the Roumanian Jews, thereby impairing their status insofar as their relations to the State and to their coreligionists is concerned, and furthermore insofar as their religious, educational and beneficial associations are concerned.”
“THE BALANCE SHEET OF 1929”
The year 1929 was to be, according to the promises of a Government just called to power, the beginning of a new era—for the Jews, as well. To what extent were the expectations and hopes—germinated and encouraged by the promises made—justified?
The events that took place under this Government will answer this question more precisely than any commentary. We shall, therefore, draw up a balance sheet of facts. Here they are in their chronological order, without comment. Actions speak louder than words. Our readers know the facts. We only want to refresh their memories.
For the sake of charity, we shall group the facts in two chapters; the precise acts of the Government against the Jews, and the anti-Semitic disturbances closely connected with the Government’s attitude. And to facilitate an objective judgment, we shall include in our sum total the last two months of 1928; November and December, the beginning of the reign of the present regime.
In such manner, we shall arrive not only at the statement for the closing year, but at the integral and objective aspect of the administration.
GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE TOWARD JEWS
November 1928—A few days after coming into power, several members of the Government visited the students’ mess halls and promised their support toward the fulfillment of their claims. In turn a delegation of students visited the Ministry of the Interior. This exchange of visits resulted in the granting of a number of demands formulated by the “Student Center” and the “Union of Christian Students.” The Government ordered the reopening of the halls of these two organizations closed by the Bratianu Government after the abuses of Oradea Mare, Cluj, etc. The measure was taken by the new Government, in spite of the University’s advice.
Dr. Filderman, the President of the Union of Roumanian Jews, submitted to Prime Minister Maniu memorandum No. 11485, dated November 14, 1928, by which the Government’s attention
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