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Board of Deputies Sets November As “defense Month”; Warn of Growing Anti-semitism

October 11, 1948
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The month of November was set aside today by the Board of Deputies of British Jews as “Defense Month” in view of increasing anti-Semitism in the British Isles. A meeting of the Board today heard Dr. Selig Brodetsy, president of the organization, assert that there are “indications of large-scale preparations for all-out attacks against the Jews in Britain.”

A resolution adopted by the Board provides that during “Defense Month,” the Jewish community in Britain will concentrate on raising $800,000 for the purpose of combatting anti-Jewish propaganda. Several speakers at the meeting warned that anti-Semitic elements in Britain are attempting to exploit the “present international situation by arousing mass sentiment against Jews.”

Warning against the theory that anti-Semitism can be removed by “a clever trick,” Prof. Brodetsky declared that “it is a constant danger threatening Jews throughout history.” He urged Zionists not to believe that Zionism is the “panacea against this evil” and called on them to participate fully in defense activities, “since not only British Jewry but the state of Israel is threatened by anti-Semitism abroad.”

The House of Commons will soon be petitioned by the Committee for Slaughter Reform to adopt legislation outlawing Jewish ritual slaughter. Headed by Lord Dowding, the group maintains that there is no anti-Jewish intent in such legislation.

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