The Jewish community took security measures today as concern mounted over widespread rumors that terrorists planned a “pogrom” and mass kidnappings of Jewish children tomorrow on the occassion of Columbus Day. The rumors which have been circulating for several weeks are attributed to the Arab League and local neo-Nazi groups said to be trying to intimidate the Jewish population.
A delegation of the DAIA, the representative body of Argentine Jewry, met for an hour today with Gen. Alberto S. Caceres, chief of the federal police to discuss the threats. Caceres assured the delegation that all measures would be taken to maintain public order and condemned attempts to disturb the peace by terrorist actions or threats of violence.
According to reliable Jewish sources, the campaign of intimidation was planned months in advance. Pamphlets nailed to many Jews and thousands of non-Jews warned that “crimes” committed by “Jews and Zionists” would receive retribution at 4 p.m. Oct. 12. Threats were also received that 200 Jewish children were to be kidnapped. The DAIA has cautioned the Jewish community against panic but has advised all Jewish institutions to take adequate security measures.
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