Jews in France Singled out by Nazis for Execution; Yellow Badge for Jews in Occupied Zone

New executions, the introduction of a yellow badge, and “improvement” of the existing anti-Jewish laws will face Jews in France before the month is over, according to announcements made in Paris today by the German authorities and by Darquier de Pellepoix, the French Commissioner for Jewish Affairs.

The German authorities, in their announcement, stated that Eastern European Jews living in occupied France will pay with their lives for any attacks on German soldiers, regardless of whether these assaults are made by Jews or unknown persons. They also declared that an order compelling Jews to wear a yellow Mogen David on their sleeve will be issued within the next ten days.

The announcement was made following the execution in Paris yesterday of five Jewish hostages because unknown persons had thrown a bomb at members of the occupation forces. Declaring that the five men executed were all “of Eastern European origin,” today’s announcement states they were executed because the actual assailants escaped.

“Since Eastern European-born Jews have participated in other assaults on members of the German police, the five were chosen for the firing squad,” the announcement reads. “More Eastern European Jews will be shot if those guilty of the attack are not discovered within eight days.”

Darquier de Pellepoix, in his statement to the press, today announced that a special police force will be formed “to detect and frustrate Jewish plots against the French community.” He declared that not only will be carry out the existing anti-Jewish laws more firmly than heretofore, but will “improve” upon them.