Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Serious Anti-jewish Outbreaks Spreading Throughout Tunisia

August 21, 1932
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Serious anti-Jewish outbreaks are sweeping throughout Tunisia, according to information reaching Paris yesterday.

The situation in Tunisia has been disturbed for some time. Yesterday an Arab throng estimated at 500 attacked the Jews in Soukahras. On July 25th, serious anti-Jewish riots occurred in Sfax.

Smaller encounters have become a daily occurrence throughout Tunisia and while the authorities and the police are taking measures to suppress them, small incidents have flared into more sweeping attacks, which the police have been unable to foresee.

In Ariana, a small town near Tunis, an excited Arab throng rushed upon the Jews with the city: “This is a Sacred War.” The Jews attempted to resist their attackers and several sustained injuries.

Police reserves had to be called from Tunis before the outbreak could be checked.

Several Arabs were arrested including the son of the local Moslem chief. One of the Jews who defended himself, was also arrested.

Ariana is known as a center of anti-Jewish sentiment with the Arabs in control of the municipality.

The Jewish press has frequently protested against the partisanship shown by the police force and other officials there and has demanded the removal of the Arab police officials. This was recently carried through by order of the French authorities.

Outbreaks also occurred at Sakkiet, Sidi and Yousseff where the weekly fair was in progress. Jewish shops were ransacked and Jewish peddlers attacked.

Complete details of the extent and the seriousness of the riots against the Jews are not yet known.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement