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Italian Jewish Leaders Renounce Zionism at Florence Parley

June 15, 1937
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Allegiance to Fascism and renunciation of Zionism as a political faith were voiced today by a conference of Jewish leaders here, called to discuss a persistent anti-Jewish campaign being waged in the most important Italian newspapers.

The conference adopted a resolution declaring that the Jews of Italy were being brought up in the principles of Fascism, that they would remain faithful to King Victor Emmanuel and Premier Benito Mussolini and that they renounced all political interests, regarding Zionism as only a religious question.

The resolution added:

“We condemn transformation of Palestine into a Zionist stronghold.”

Il Popolo d’Italia, Milan newspaper founded by Premier Mussolini, recently warned Jews to embrace. Fascism wholeheartedly and give up Zionism as a pro-British, and therefore anti-Italian cause, or leave Italy. Similar warnings have been published by other leading Fascist organs, including La Tribuna and Il Tevere of Rome, and La Stampa of Turin.

Jewish leaders, including Chief Rabbi David Prato have been assure by such Government officials as Foreign Minister Ciano, the Premier son-in-law, that the Government policy towards the Jews has undergone no change.

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