Polish Jewry was alarmed today at new proposals in the Seum, lower house of Parliament, for anti-Semitic legislation including a numerous Clausus and complete prohibition of shechita, Jewish ritual method of slaughtering animals for human consumption.
Gen. Stanislaus Skwarczynski, leader of the Government Camp of National Unity, announced at last night’s session plans for a law to reduce the number of Jews in Poland, free Polish economy and culture from Jewish influence and reduce the number of Jews in certain professions. At the same time, Deputy Dudzynski introduced a motion for complete prohibition of shechita, which is now under partial proscription. The action followed sharp anti-Jewish attacks by a number of deputies.
Jewish Deputy Emil Sommerstein, replied to the attacks and the announced plans, urging respect for the equality of rights guaranteed by the Polish Constitution. Sejm lobby talk was that three anti-Jewish bills, modeled upon the Hungarian law curbing Jews in the nation’s economic and cultural life, would shortly be introduced.
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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.