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New York Police Ordered to Curb Anti-semitic Vandalism

January 4, 1944
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
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The New York City Police Department’s sabotage squad of 90 men was under orders today to take all measures necessary to curb anti-Semitic disturbances here and to apprehend the persons responsible. Orders to this effect were issued yesterday by police Commissioner Lewis J. Valentine, who also instructed Chief Inspector John J. O’Connell to have divisional inspectors make a survey of all reports of anti-Semitic vandalism and submit detailed accounts of the incidents.

The Police Department, it is understood, hopes in this manner to discover the persons or groups who are behind the attacks, most of which have been committed by youths under sixteen. The detectives have been told to take up hidden posts near all synagogues that have been desecrated and at others which secret reports to the police indicate may be defiled. All youths seized by police are to be taken to their homes and summonses issued to their parents for improper guardianship. One high police official told reporters that the Christian Front has recently been active and might possibly be behind the disturbances.

The Jewish War Veterans of the United States wired Mayor LaGuardia today offering the services of its members in patrolling areas where Jewish synagogues have been desecrated on Jewish children attacked.

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