Adolph Hitler’s National Socialists brought to a successful close yesterday a long battle against Professor Emil J. Gumbel, prominent pacifist, against whom its anger was directed because he is a Jew.
Professor Gumbel, an authority on political economy, was named professor extraordinary at the University of Heidelberg by the Socialist Ministry of Baden in 1930. Through the period of his affiliation with the university he has been the target of attack by the Nazis and Nazi student demonstrations were frequent against him.
Professor Gumbel, in a number of books written after the war, compiled extensive data to show how the National Socialists abused and even murdered their political opponents, notably the republicans, and escaped punishment.
The order of ouster was issued by the Minister of Education of Baden, complying with the request of the Senate and Philosophical Faculty of Heidelberg, which conducted an investigation into his political utterances.
Professor Gumbel is also responsible for the exposing of the organizing of semi-secret National military organizations.
A Nazi deputy speaking at a meeting of the Nazi students at the Heidelberg Town Hall as recently as this summer, just before the July 31st Reichstag elections, exclaimed: “Let us see to it that on July 31, the foundation stone of a German state is laid in which Gumbel shall be no more. The Gumbel can be buried and not lilies but turnips shall be planted on his grave.”
Professor Gumbel’s views against war have a warm adherent in Professor Albert Einstein.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
