Jews to Be Barred from “aryan” Enterprises Under Decision of Reich Labor Court

The Higher Labor Court today extended the Nuremberg anti-Jewish laws to the field of private enterprise in a decision that will lead to the dismissal of thousands of Jews employed by “Aryans.”

Disregarding orders of Minister of Economics Hjalmar Schacht that Jews not be molested in industry and commerce until their status is defined by law, the court authorized the discharge of Jews from non-Jewish enterprises regardless of the length of their employment, the quality of their service or their war records.

The ruling states that although dismissal of Jews does not conform to any existing labor laws, it complies with the spirit of the race and citizenship laws adopted by the Reichstag at Nuremberg on September 15 and with the sentiments of the Nazi movement.

The decision instructed labor courts “not to issue decisions contradicting the spirit of the movement.”

The verdict was handed down in the action by a Jewish World War veteran, dismissed after six years service by order of the Nazi Labor Front. Members of the employing firm had testified that his services were satisfactory and that he had been discharged only because of the Labor Front’s written demands.

Admitting that the fact he is a Jew was the only cause for his discharge, the Higher Court added: “With such a fine record a Jewish employee should not find it difficult to be employed by a Jewish enterprise.”

A second decision of the court ordered the reinstatement of a half-Jewish woman who had been discharged by an “Aryan” firm, rul- ing that half-blooded Jews were not to receive the same treatment as full-blooded Jews. The decision added that the Labor Front’s drive was directed against “full-blooded Jews only.”