If we exclude the Jews we shall only artificially strengthen the camp of our enemy, for it is obvious that those who are not with us are against us.”
Signor Mussolini received the Chief Rabbi of Rome, Professor Angelo Sacerdoti, who presented to him the resolution adopted recently by the Government-recognized Executive of the Union of Jewish Communities.
This expresses solidarity with oppressed German Jewry, and the hope that normal conditions of life be restored for them as speedily as possible; that unjust restrictions be abolished and that they should enjoy equal rights with all other citizens. Furthermore, it states the wish that all civilized nations pledge themselves in the form of a binding convention (the Tedeschi plan for an international convention against anti-Semitism) which will protect the Jews from persecution and brutality.
It is hoped here that the German Nazis, who on assuming power, telegraphed to Signor Mussolini, informing him of the success of German Fascism, and afterwards sent to Rome Captain Goering, together with Vice-Chaincellor von Papen, to discuss the situation with him, may be persuaded by his attitude to modify their anti-Jewish policy.
Sir Oswald Mosley, English Fascist leader, who was in Rome to see Signor Mussolini, at the same time as Captain Goering and Herr von Papen, also made a statement during his visit, dissociating Fascism from anti-Semitism, and declaring that he considered it a vital mistake of Hitler to have made anti-Semitism part of his program, and expressing the hope that it would be dropped.
Signor Mussolini made an official statement through Chief Rabbi Sacerdoti several years ago that the Fascist movement must not be identified with anti-Semitism.
ANTI-SEMITISM ABSURDITY
On another occasion, addressing Rumanian journalists in Rome, who were concerned about the anti-Semitic tendencies of Rumanian Fascism, Signor Mussolini declared:”Fascist anti-Semitism or anti-Semitic Fascism is a gross absurdity. We vigorously protest against such attempts to compromise Fascism. Anti-Semitism is a product of barbarism, while Fascism stands on the highest plane of civilization, and is diametrically opposed to anti-Semitism. We aim to unite all sections of the people under our flag.
If we exclude the Jews we shall only artificially strengthen the camp of our enemy, for it is obvious that those who are not with us are against us.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
