There is no anti-Semitism in Italy and Jews occupy positions of high importance, Premier Benito Mussolini declared in an interview with Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, leading member of the American Rabbinate, who is now in Rome.
Discussing anti-Semitism in other countries, Premier Mussolini attributed its increase to economic distress and expressed the view that anti-Semitism would decline when more normal conditions are restored.
“We give our young a national, religious and physical education. Of course, religion with tolerance—we have complete religious tolerance in Italy and recognize the status of Jewish citizens,” Premier Mussolini declared.
Rabbi Silver is abroad on a year’s sabbatical leave granted by his congregation, “The Temple,” of Cleveland, in recognition of fifteen years of service. Accompanied by his family, Rabbi Silver sailed for Europe on October 15th.
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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.
