Rabbi Asks U.S. to Probe Hotel Discrimination

The Federal authorities at Washington are investigating charges brought by Rabbi Louis D. Mendoza of Norfolk that the Chamberlain Hotel, at Old Point Comfort, is discriminating against Jews. The hotel is on Federal property.

Rabbi Mendoza, pointing out that the hotel is advertising on road signs that it welcomes only a Christian clientele, in his complaint to Washington characterizes the action as “one of the most offensive efforts that has been made to raise religious, race and social caste prejudices in America.” The rabbi also emphasized that the advertising has drawn “an unfavorable comment against this locality by visitors from all parts of the country.”

NEWSPAPER HITS PREJUDICE

In an editorial, captioned “Religious Prejudice,” the Richmond Times-Dispatch severely criticizes the hotel for its action.

“If the facts are as reported… the Chamberlain Hotel,” the editorial declares, “has violated the spirit of American institutions and laid itself open to severe public condemnation.”

Pointing to the fact that religious freedom was one of the cardinal tenets of Thomas Jefferson, the Times-Dispatch calls attention to the great service Jews have rendered the South throughout its history.

“A vast majority of Virginians,” the editorial states, “cherish today the principle of religious liberty which that statute (writter into the Virginia laws by Jefferson) embodies…. Jews particularly have been highly respected citizens. It is doubtful if any civil leader of the Southern Confederacy was admired more widely or more sincerely, both for character and ability, than Judah P. Benjamin, one of the intellectual giants of his time.”