Jewish Groups in Argentina on Alert to Anti-semitic Dangers

The DAIA, central representative body of Argentine Jewry, voted here today to maintain itself in “permanent session” due to growing “aggressive activity” by anti-Semitic, terrorist organizations in this country. At the same time, a spokesman for the American Jewish Committee stated that, though there are few acts of violence now, Argentinean anti-Semitism is “possibly more of a danger than ever.”

Both the DAIA and the American Jewish Committee spokesmen pointed to the activities in Argentina by Hussein Triki, the Arab League representative here, whose propaganda is infiltrating not only among right-wing organizations but also among sections of the General Labor Federation. A labor-oriented newspaper, Companero, controlled by adherents of former dictator Juan Peron, was accused of using some of Triki’s anti-Jewish propaganda and pro-Arab, “anti-Zionist” attacks which are tinged with anti-Semitism.

The Arab League propaganda, it was charged, has also established links with members of Argentina’s armed forces, some of the latter calling themselves “Nasseristas” who idolize President Camal Abdel Nasser of Egypt.

According to the DAIA, Triki has been working closely with the Tacuara, the banned right-wing, anti-Semitic organization, and other, similar movements. Among materials distributed by Triki have been copies of the discredited Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a classic compilation of anti-Semitic canards.

An article published here by the Yiddische Zeitung, Argentina’s leading Jewish newspaper, charged Interick Minister Juan Palermo with failure to respond “adequately” to a note sent to him by the DAIA last week, complaining about the current spate of anti-Semitism and about Triki’s activities.