Italy’s wealthiest Jew, Senator Abraham Jacob Isaac Levi, has succeeded in obtaining Government certification that he is an “Aryan,” it was learned today, under the section of the racial law of 1939 which makes it possible to obtain “Aryanization” by proving illegitimacy and showing that one’s actual father was an “Ary an.”
Persons who know Senator Levi find it difficult to understand his action since he is 77 years old, has no children who could benefit by his “Aryanization” and lives alone with his 70-year-old wife, whose maiden name is Cohen. They reside in his showplace palace in Rome which he is rumored to have offered to Premier Benito Mussolini as a residence at one time.
It is indicated that he will shortly be officially known as Senator Leve.
Levi has been a supporter and close friend of Il Duce since the early days of Fascism. His Philanthropic work in the ranks of Fascism. His philanthropic work in the ranks of Fascism brought him a senatorial nomination in 1933 on the Premier’s recommendation. He was one of Italy’s ten Jewish senators.
Born in Turin of poor parents, Levi built up his enormous fortune in shoes, clothing and department stores. He is considered one of the most important businessmen in Italy. At one time he owned most of the leading department stores in Italy, having obtained most of his business ideas through wide traveling, particularly in the United States. He is generally referred to as the “king of ready-made clothes” and is recognized as a leading figure in the development of several branches of Italy’s industry. He is reputed to possess $50,000,000.
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.
