Jugo-slavia, Despite Its Neighbors, Bars Racial Prejudice

(By Our Belgrade Correspondent)

Jugo Slavia, a country that is hemmed in practically on all sides by countries where anti-Semitism in greater or lesser degree has found a haven, especially since the War, has proven that when a government wills it anti-Semitism can find no root.

In old Serbia anti-Semitism was totally unknown. It did not appear in politics, in business nor even in the social life of the country. It was not until after the World War that the anti-Semitic virus began to make its appearance here through two channels. On the one hand there was the population of the former Austro-Hungarian provinces which had been imbued with Jew-hatred prior to the creation of the Jugo-Slavian state and on the other hand, the hospitality of the Jugo-Slavian government brought a flood of Russian officers and adherents of Wrangel and Koltchak, as well as of other reactionary elements of Czarist Russia who sought to spread the spirit of anti-Semitism in the land of their refuge.

Thus for several years there was great danger that this country too would at last fall under the influence of the anti-Semitic movement which pressed on it from three sides: Hungary, Roumania and Austria. The only stretch of its border where this influence was not present was Italy.

But it has by now been definitely established that Jugo-Slavia will not harbor anti-Semitism owing to the determined opposition on the part of the government and all responsible national leaders. No sooner had the first signs of the intrusion of this plague that has existed in one form or another everywhere in eastern and central Europe made their appearance than strenuous and drastic measures were taken by the Jugo-Slavian statesmen and government authorities. Anti-Semitism was driven quickly and effectively from every position where it sought to entrench itself, so that today not a trace of it is to be seen. Despite the existence of many parties and nationalities who are waging a sharp, political war among themselves, the Jewish issue never crops out anywhere.

Today the Jewish leaders are honored and welcomed everywhere, especially in the Royal Palace and in the highest governmental spheres. The Chief Rabbi, Dr. Alkali, who is the actual leader of the whole Jugo-Slavian Jewry, being recognized as such even by the Ashkenazim, is highly respected by the heads of the government. It is due to Dr. Alkali that the unification process of Jugo-Slavian Jewry-Espanol, Ashkenazim, and Hungarian Jews-is making such remarkable progress that there is reason to hope that before long the national’, social and other differences between these elements of the Jewish population will disappear to make mom for a homogeneous, well-united, barmonious Jewry.

Economically the Jews, both in old Serbia and in the new provinces, are prosperous. Doing well for themselves, they are at the same time benefiting the country immensely and this fact is known and appreciated by the leaders of the government as well as by the general population. The Jews have distinguished themselves particularly in the field of industry and finance and no obstacle is placed in their way by the authorities. The Jews feel themselves a part of the population, and they are recognized is such by the government which knows how to value the initiative, ininstry and patriotism of its Jewish subjects.

Despite the fact that the boundaries of Jugo-Slavia are closed strictly against immigration as a policy of revenge against its neighbors, particularly Hungary and Italy, a small Jewish immigration continues. Jews who enter Serbia on special permisica on business matters or for other purposes are permitted to remain in the country permanently, provided they prove themselves capable of working and taking care of themselves.

Jugo-Slavia is just beginning to develop. There are great possibilities for the industrialisation of the country for it has sufficient resources. There are plenty of rivers, raw materials and rich, fertile land as well as a population which is industrious and capable of progress. There is considerable room for the influx of more Jews who could devote themselves to farming as well as to industry.

Jugo-Slavia is in need of such an asset as the Jews are and can be even to a greater extent if possibilities for further Jewish immigration into the country are created. And this can be done through the application of a wise policy on the part of Jewish leaders. It would be easy to convince the governmental circles of Jugoslavia of the wisdom of allowing some thousands of Jews of a certain type to come in. If this were done, Jugo-Slavia would become a haven for many Jews who now have no refuge whither to escape from oppression and economic suffering.