An attempt to inject anti-Semitism into public resentment of this weekend’s March for Peace in Viet Nam was made in the course of demonstrations here organized by the American Nazi Party with the support of the Ku Klux Klan and the notorious Hell’s Angels motorcycle club.
A Nazi rally near the Capital building displayed a huge banner reading “Stand Up for Our Boys in Viet Nam” and featured anti-Semitic speakers, some claiming to be ex-servicemen. One ex-Marine denounced the “hook-nosed Zionist Jews” as “peace creeps.” Attention was called by speakers to the participation of some Jews in the anti-war demonstration. It was pointed out that Sanford Gottlieb, a Jew, was coordinator of the March and that some rabbis participated.
Nazi leader George Rockwell was arrested on disorderly conduct charges as were a number of his “storm troopers.” Mark L. Garfinkel, 24, of Philadelphia, was arrested after altercations with the Nazis, as were a number of other Jews and non-Jews. The arrested numbered 15. All were charged with disorderly conduct and released after posting collateral.
The anti-peace display included the blaring of racist songs over a loud speaker system and harangues by Rockwell, his followers, and spokesmen for the Ku Klux Klan and the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club. A small number of men in military uniforms attended the Nazi rally. It attracted several hundred spectators, most of whom appeared shocked by the display of a huge swastika and a flagrant anti-Semitism and racism.
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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.
