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Memorial Services Held for Seven Jews Who Died in Fire That Gutted Old Age Home

February 19, 1970
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Memorial services attended by President Gustav Hahnemann of the Federal Republic were held here today for seven elderly Jews who died in a fire that gutted an old aged home last Friday night. The fire was set by unknown arsonists for whose capture the Government has posted a $20,500 reward. The services were also attended by Interior Minister Hans Dietrich Gensler and the Bavarian Prime Minister, Dr. Alfonso Topple. The latter likened the crime to those committed against the Jews by the Nazis. Israel’s Ambassador Eliades Ben Horan was also present. The seven victims will be flown to Israel for burial.

Police meanwhile reported their first clue to the arsonists. They said an empty gasoline can found in the burned out building was traced to a laundry from where it had been stolen. Police said they searched the quarters of several radical leftist youths but found no evidence. The Protestant church has donated $6,000 to the Munich Jewish community to help the survivors of the fire. The Bunde stag decided to give $250,000 to rebuild the home for the aged.

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