Whether published in Germany or in Austria or in Czechoslovakia, the Jewish press, German language papers with Jewish interests, give a vivid picture of the psychical and physical misery of the German Jews on the eve of the boycott, and of the conditions thereafter. Perhaps the German papers are a little bit more reserved in the use of words because the Damocles sword of suspension hangs over their head. The Zionist paper of Germany, the "Jucdische Rundschau," as well as the paper of the Central Union of German Citizens of Jewish Faith, namely the "C. V. Zeitung" (the C. V. being an abbreviation for Central Verein), concur in condemning any anti-German propagada abroad and show its damaging result.
They differ only in their interpretation of the present situation for the future of the Jews, the "Juedische Rundschau" hoping for a greater Palestine and the "C. V. Zeitung" for better conditions and relations in Germany itself. Also the Austrian paper "Selbstwehr," gives a depressing picture of the German Jews and so does the "Neue Welt" in Prague. The news reports in these issues confirm the statements which were supplied to the American press by responsible correspondents and news agencies regarding the ousting, mistreatment and degradation of German Jews.
The "C. V. Zeitung" of recent date publishes an article under the headline, "Our Fight for Germany; Against Atrocity Propaganda Abroad," in which they stress the efforts of German Jews to discourage protest meetings abroad.
NEW PALESTINIAN INTEREST
Under the headline, "German Jews and Palestine," the "Juedische Rundschau" deals with recent events and their influence on the consciousness of the German Jews. The article starts with a description of the German Jews of the last decades who, in all possible ways, attempted to efface the signs of difference between themselves and the Christian Germans, who even did no longer wish to have any connection with Jewish interests in order not to be reminded of this difference. For the same reason, this Jew, living in a fictitious world, also protested against Zionism. The events of the past few days have nullified emancipation. From this results a growing interest for Palestine.
Many people, who in better days cared nothing about Palestine, now are looking to that country which was improved by those who were not afraid to do constructive work there: these people now gaze longingly at the country for which they at one time had only contempt. If it had not been for the failure of these elements to cooperate in the upbuilding of Palestine, Palestine would now be even better able to serve as a refuge for all Jews, whether Zionists or not. It can now be seen that the sums expended upon defense propaganda during the past years, would have been more usefully employed for the upbuilding of Palestine.
The Zionist movement, the "Juedische Rundschau" continues, wishes to be representative of the whole Jewish people and not of a party. But while whoever is willing to go to Palestine for work is welcome, those who wish only to exchange their easy, wealthy life in Germany for an easy wealthy life in Palestine, even without psychical difficulties, must know that life in Palestine-requires not only the body but also the soul.
DAY OF RENAISSANCE
The "Juedische Rundschau" discusses also the moral effects of the one-day boycott in Germany. It declines to lament and to whine and hopes that this first of April will be the day of Jewish renaissance, if the Jews wish that it be so. It refers to Theodor Herzl’s Judenstaat (Jewish State), in which he foresaw the development of the Jewish question, and refers especially to article 3 of the boycott regulation of the German Government as follows:
"The religion of the store owner does not matter. Catholic or Protestant, converted Jews or dissenters of Jewish origin are Jews in the meaning of this regulation."
This the "Juedische Rundschau" continues, is the reward for all traitors to Judaism.
Whoever deserts the community in order to improve his personal condition shall not earn the merit of his treason. The Jew is marked as Jew, he receives his yellow badge. This symbol, which is meant as an insult, should be accepted by the Jews as an honor-It is a shame that there are even now Jews who have asked for exceptional treatment, also Jews who underwent baptism as fast as possible in order to be able to say that their business is Christian.
The time of suppression is not yet over. But, whether a boycott will be renewed or not, evasion and hiding will no longer save. It is known who is a Jew. The Jewish answer is given: Just as M### said to the Egyptians. I am a Hebrew, so the Jews must say: Yes, we are Jews: and this will be the moral significance of the present events.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
