Whether Nazi rowdyism, Hitlerite propaganda, anti-Semitism or the humor of practical jokers inspired a demonstration which broke up the fourth annual Purim ball of the Menorah Society, the Jewish Students’ Society and the Jewish Graduates’ Society at the John Jay Hall of Columbia University on Monday night could not be determined yesterday.
Rabbi Baruch Braunstein, sponsor of the three groups, reported yesterday that culprits responsible for the explosion of two huge light bulbs, the firing of an overly ripe egg, and the hanging of a large swastika in the ballroom had not been apprehended as yet.
Explaining the incident, Rabbi Braunstein said yesterday, “Because I had a bad cold I left the hall shortly before the fireworks began. I understand that right after I had gone two large light bulbs, a bad egg, and a large swastika banner were hurled from the balcony of the hall onto the middle of the dance floor.
INSIGNIA MISSPELLED
“Personally,” he said, “I am convinced that it could not have been the work of German students or propagandists. The insignia painted on the swastika was atrociously misspelled so that it read, ‘Hiel Hitler,’ rather than the conventional ‘Heil Hitler.’
“Apparently, however, students are at the bottom of the escapade, because the hall is a student dormitory. I am deeply shocked and surprised that such a thing could happen in a building at Columbia University. If it is really the work of Nazis, it is the first tangible evidence of Nazi rowdyism on the campus, which for a long time I felt did not exist in the University.
PRAISES STUDENTS
“Early in the Fall Semester when statements were being made regarding the existence of Nazi influence at this and other universities, I expressed the conviction that there was none at Columbia. I have the highest regard for the intelligence of students at Columbia, and I do not believe them susceptible to such nonsense,” be concluded.
Shortly after the demonstration, burly Jewish students rushed from the dance floor to the point of ambush on the balcony. By the time they arrived, however, their asailants had beaten a retreat.
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