Life of North American Jewry in Review

A citywide survey of stores is being conducted by volunteer committees in an effort to learn what stores carry German-made goods. as part of the boycott campaign against Germany here.

“When it is found that a store carries German-made goods, interested persons speak to the manager or send letters,” said Dr. James M. Yard, former director of religion and professor of political science at Northwestern University, now executive secretary of the Chicago Committee for the Defense of Human Rights Against Nazism. which is conducting the campaign.

“In addition to bringing the disapproval of Hitler methods and German-made goods to the attention of stores, our committee is urging Jews and non-Jews to refuse to purchase such goods. They are encouraged to watch labels on products and to refuse to buy anything made in Germany or her provinces.” continued Dr. Yard.

The boycott movement is nonsectarian, Dr. Yard pointed out, and Catholic and Protestant members of his committee outnumber the Jewish members. The chairman of the Chicago committee is Salmon O. Levinson. and the president is Dr. Paul Hutchinson, managing editor of the Christian Century.

COOPERATING GROUP

Another group which is cooperating in the boycott movement here is the Chicago committee of the American Jewish Congress. William A. Nudelman is executive secretary. Sigmund David, attorney and son of Judge Joseph B. David, is chairman.

Boycott activities in Chicago are less aggressive than in New York to date, Mr. Nudelman explained.

“German exports in 1933, according to figures given out by the German government, dropped 16 per cent below those of previous years,” Dr. Yard said in commenting on the effectiveness of the campaign.

“We have no way of knowing how much of the decrease is attributable to the boycott. We do know, however, that 200,000 non-Jews are supporting the boycott in United States, Great Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, South Africa, Egypt, Canada and several South American countries.”