Jewish “court of Honor” Finds Dutch Jewish Leaders Guilty of Working with Nazis

A Jewish “Court of Honor,” made up of representations of the Jewish community and the Dutch Zionist Council, has found Dr. Abraham Asscher and Prof. Dirk Cohen guilty of collaboration with the German occupying authorities during the war.

Dr. Asscher and Prof Cohen, who headed the Gorman-dominated Jewish Council, ### released on bail last month pending their trial by the state on charges of colorationism. Many public figures, including the editors of the three leading ###lies in Amsterdam, have urged the Minister of Justice to halt the prosecution.

The Court of Honor found Drs. Asscher and Cohen guilty of the following acts: Obeying the orders of the Germans to organize a Jewish Council; 2. Publishing a wish weekly, which was of more use to the Germans than the Jews; 3. Facilitating carrying out of certain German rulings, including the interning and deportation Jews; 4. Advising Jews to pay the special levy imposed on them; and 5. Aiding in ## selection of Jews for deportation, particularly in May, 1943.

The tribunal, which was boycotted by Dr. Asscher, but before which Prof. Cohen appeared, recommended that they be barred from honorary or paid positions the Jewish community for life. At the same time, the court singled out several numbers of the Jewish Council for praise, declaring that they had aided in the underground movement to save Jews.

Both of the former leaders have issued statements condemning the Court’s decision, charging that the membership of the tribunal was not representative, having been drawn from persons who never had any contact with the Jewish Council. Prof. Cohen added that the Court’s ruling violated due process and his attorneys stated that it had no legal status. They have refused, however, to publish a detail### refutation pending the trial of their clients before the Extraordinary Court of justice at The Hague.