That the Nazi government directly approves of the anti-Jewish riots which took place on the Kurfuerstendamm this week, and that it means to encourage further riots of this kind, was indicated today when Count Wolf von Helldorf, Jew-baiter, was appointed chief of police of Berlin.
Count von Helldorf became notorious in 1932, before the Nazis came to power, as the first organizer of an anti-Jewish pogrom on Kurfuerstendamm. The pogrom took place on the eve of Rosh Hashonah, when the Jews were on their way home from the synagogues. Count von Helldorf was then sentenced to six months imprisonment by the pre-Nazi regime.
Today’s appointment of Count von Helldorf followed the ousting of the Chief of Police Magnus von Levetzow, apparently because of his failure to rid Berlin of the Jews.
Accepting his new post, Count von Helldorf issued a statement today that he will mobilize all forces necessary “to dampen the growing Jewish arrogance.”
The appointment of Count von Helldorf took place upon the instructions of Premier Goering. Immediately after the appointment was announced, a conference between Goebbels and Helldorf took place and a statement was issued that the Nazis intend to press their campaign against the Jews more vigorously than heretofore.
Hans Kerrl, another old-time Nazi, also was appointed today by Goering to assume charge of all church matters in the country and to help in the campaign against Catholics and Jews.
Count von Helldorf has not been heard of much since the Nazis came to power. He has been holding an insignificant position as chief of police in Potsdam. His elevation to the Berlin post has thrown the Jewish population today into a state of panic.
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.
