A Socialist member of the Federal Assembly has proposed that the Swiss government apologize for introducing in 1938 a rubber stamp-bearing the letter “J”-that was applied to the passports of all Jewish citizens
The move comes as the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II is being commemorated across Europe.
Helmut Hubacher, also a former Socialist Party president, has submitted the request to the Federal Council, which has executive power.
The Federal Council has asked Carl Ludwig, a professor in Switzerland, to prepare a study of the Swiss policy for refugees from 1933 to 1955, a response that some see as positive start.
Some view the “J” stamp as a dark point in Swiss history that has yet to be addressed.
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