Dr. Nahum Goldmann asserted today that the simultaneous outbreaks of anti-Semitic incidents in various countries suggested the existence of a hidden Nazi underground organization–or that, at least, there was “one band” coordinating the anti-Semitic activities.
In an interview here, he said he had no conclusive evidence that such an organization existed. But, he added, be would urge in forthcoming talks with West German leaders that they start a vigorous investigation.
Dr. Goldmann, who will meet with Chancellor Konrad Adenauer this month, said he would also urge concentrated educational effirts in West Germany to eradicate anti-Semitism among German youth. For a long time, he said, there have been suspicions that large sums were smuggled out of defeated Germany by fleeing Nazis, and that these funds were being used to finance neo-Nazi and anti-Semitic activities.
He said some benefit might be derived from the anti-Semitic outbreaks, if they dramatized for West Germans and their leaders the need to pay closer attention to the dangers of anti-Semitism.
Dr. Goldmann said that, while the importance of the outbreaks should not be exaggerated, neither should their importance be minimized. Against exaggeration he cited the fact that, for the time being. West European and West German Jews were too weak to elect even a single member of Parliament, while West European anti-Semites were even weaker.
He said that what should cause particular concern was the fact that not only was the older generation of former Nazis involved in the incidents but also youngsters who had not received the Nazis’ anti-Semitic “education.” He added that the problem of German anti-Semitism would become particularly grave if West Germany became a strong military power.
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.
