A decree barring Jews in Hungary from smoking cigarettes and cigars -similar to restrictions in force in Germany and in the occupied countries – is demanded by the Hungarian press, the German radio reports today.
“Hungarian newspapers believe that the shortage of cigarettes and tobacco could effectively be remedied by prohibiting Jews from entering tobacco stores and by forbidding them to smoke,” the broadcast said.
Budapest papers report that the mobilization of Jews in Hungary for “auxiliary military service” is being carried out with great speed. All Jews between 18 and 48 years of age must report for service. Exemptions are made only for disabled soldiers of the last war, for rabbis and yesshiva students and for Jews employed in essential war industries and in defense work. Doctors, engineers, pharmacists and veterianary surgeons are also being excused in various localities where they are needed. Jews failing to report for service will be punished by five years imprisonment or court-martialled.
The association of cinema owners in Hungary has appealed to the government to modify its order banning Jews from visiting moving-picture houses. The association pointed out that its cinema houses are practically empty as a result of this ban. The appeal suggests that certain sections in these house be reserved for Jews.
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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.