A new “Jewish Code” which completely bare Jews from any participation in the political, social, economic or cultural life of Slovakia, and which will mean virtual starvation for some 100,000 Jews, was promulgated today by the Slovak Government, it was announced over the Bratislava radio.
At the same time a twenty per cent tax on all Jewish property was ordered. Since German sources estimate that Jewish wealth in Slovakia totals about 3,000,000,000 kronen, it is expected that the Slovak authorities will demand a levy of 600,000,000 kronen, or about $20,500,000.
The “Code,” which contains 270 articles, prohibits Jews from organizing any political groups or joining any existing groups; contains special provisions implementing the general policy of barring Jews from engaging in political, cultural or economic pursuits; and strictly forbids all contact between “Aryans” and Jews. It also makes it obligatory for all Jews to wear yellow armbands bearing a Mogen David on their left arm.
This new code, which is obviously inspired by the Nuremberg laws, is expected to be complemented in the near future by the creation of ghettos all over the country. A possible indication of a slightly liberal interpretation of the anti-Jewish laws is contained in a broadcast from the Bratislava radio which announced that the Slovakian President has the power to release certain Jews from the restrictions of the decrees.
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.
