The recent attacks on Jews in Bogota were condemned today by the newly elected President of Colombia, Dr. Mariano Ospino Perez, in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
The President-elect emphasized that he will not tolerate any assaults against Jews or any other national minority. “Such action,” he declared, ” is contrary to the traditional democratic spirit of our country.”
The President’s statement was received with great satisfaction by Jews here and has helped to case the tension under which the Jewish population of Bogota has been living since the outbreaks on May 8, during which students attacked Jews in the street and stoned the windows of Jewish stores. Organized anti-Semitic groups also attacked the local synagogue and the premises of several Jewish institutions.
Jewish life in the city has returned to normal following the strong measures taken by the local police authorities when it was feared that the anti-Jewish attacks would be continued. Increased police patrols prevented the repetition of disturbances and the Jews began to appear in the street, after keeping their businesses closed for two days.
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