Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Jews in Poland Ask Authorities to Suppress Anti-semitism

July 2, 1956
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Warsaw Jewish newspaper “Folkshtimme,” which arrived here today, carries an article confirming the strong anti-Jewish manifestations currenest noted in Poland. The paper reveals that the Cultural and Social Federation of Jews in Poland has appealed to the authorities to suppress all such manifestations.

The article, written by M. Mirsky, Jewish Communist writer, says that “wild reports” are being spread by “certain nationalistic elements” in Poland of alleged anti-Jewish happenings. “In Wroclaw they are saying anti-Jewish events have taken place in Sczeczin and in Sczeczin they are saying the same about Wroclaw,” Mr. Mirsky writes. He points out that “after their sad experiences of 1939-1946, the Jews of Poland are very sensitive to any expression of anti-Semitism.”

Mr. Mirsky’s article enumerates cases where anti-Jewish speeches have been made at public gatherings since the Khrushchev exposure of “Stalinist cult.” He also speaks of “poisonous anti-Semitic remarks” that can be heard in Poland and reveals desecrations of Jewish cemeteries and an attack on a Jewish family. He also points out that in many cases members of the Communist Party did not take any action against anti-Jewish incitement. However, he quotes a number of Polish newspapers which condemn anti-Semitism in an attempt to check the rising tide of anti-Jewish settlement in the country.

Mr. Mirsky reports that leaders of the Communist Party in Lodz, “where a number of anti-Semitic developments have found expression in one way or another,” have adopted number of “organizational and propaganda measures aimed at paralyzing further anti-Semitic damaged.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement