Nazi Propagandists “working” Detroit

Offices of local professional men—especially those of physicians and lawyers—have of late been flooded by anti-Semitic literature circulated anonymously by Nazi groups in this country.

Leaders of the Detroit German colony are known to be definitely opposed to such anti-Semitic tactics, and the outstanding spokesmen for the Germans here are anti-Hitler. John M. Bischoff, president of the Unhabhaengiger Buerger-Bund (Independent Citizens League) several days ago made a strong statement declaring that his group’s inspiration comes from Washington and not from Berlin, and that they are opposed to the anti-Semitic planks of the present official German program. Other German leaders are expected soon to make statements condemning the Hitler program.

A movement is at present on foot among many Detroit organizations to organize a boycott of German goods. Dr. S. S. Wittenberg was chosen president of the Detroit branch of the League for Defense of Jewish Rights, and Samuel H. Weisman is the secretary of the league.

MENTAL HYGIENE CLINICS

A mental hygienic clinic, functioning as part of the Jewish Social Service Bureau of the Detroit Jewish Welfare Federation, is an important factor in local social work. Under the direction of Dr. Harry E. August, who is also connected with the Juvenile Court, this clinic serves the following Jewish agencies: Jewish Social Service Bureau, Jewish Children’s Home, North End Clinic, Fresh Air Society, Jewish Child Placement Bureau. In addition, this clinic frequently also serves the Florence Crittenden Home, the Salvation Army Home and Hospital, the Detroit and Michigan Children’s Aid Societies, Harper Hospital, Detroit public schools and Sigma Gamma Clinic. Thus, although financed by Jewish agencies, many of its patients are non-Jews.

It is pointed out by Harold Silver, director of the Jewish Social Service Bureau, that childhood impressions and experiences are responsible for a great many mental disorders later in life. Events occurring between birth and adolescence leave upon the child’s mind a well-nigh indelible impression, and the earlier the impression is fixed upon the child’s mind the more influence it is apt to have in his later years. The classical impression that certain types of mental diseases are especially prevalent among Jews was declared to be without foundation by Mr. Silver. He states, however, that the theory that the Jews have a higher proportion of superior intelligence seems to be supported by studies made of school children.