Sharp Rise in Anti-semitic Literature Reported from the South

The American Jewish Committee, which is opening a four day meeting here tomorrow of its national executive board, today reported that “of late there has been a sharp rise in the amount of anti-Semitic literature put out in the South by local Southern bigots.” It stressed that up to 1960 “most of the anti-Semitic broadsides and periodicals flooding the South have been published at distant points and shipped into the region in bulk for local distribution.”

The report, which is a result of a year-long study by the American Jewish Committee, also said that the majority of professional anti-Semites in the United States are posing as “super-patriots” in an effort to gain acceptance in respectable circles, with their appeals directed mainly at “isolationists, proponents of radical right measures, pro-Arab apologists.”

The report pointed out that most professional bigots who hope to gain influence in the mainstream of American life are avoiding the “shock tactics” of George Lincoln Rockwell and his American Nazi party. One of the prime aims of the professional bigots, the study stresses, has been “to infiltrate ultra-conservative organizations.”

“Anti-Semites strive to accredit themselves in these circles by far-rightist positions–advocacy of ‘states rights’ and opposition to: the United Nations, ‘Federal control’ the Income Tax Amendment, foreign aid, fluoridation of water and mental health legislation,” the report stated. By labeling disapproved measures as ‘Communist’ and attaching the same label to Jews, anti-Semites hope to gain a hearing and entrench themselves in respectable circles. Despite repeated denunciations of racial and religious prejudice by leading ultra-conservatives, the bigots’ efforts have been unremitting.”

A fertile area for the bigots’ wares, according to the report, has been communities in the South racked by desegregation tensions. It says: “Since 1954, when the Supreme Court outlawed school segregation, the promoters of religious hatred have increased their activities in the South where a resurgent Ku Klux Klan and more newly organized racist groups have provided channels for fomenting anti-Semitism.”

In addition, Arab propaganda in the United States continues to originate from several sources. The report named the sources as the Arab League’s Arab Information Center, with branches in several cities; the Organization of Arab Students, whose members-some 4,000–are active on many U.S. college campuses; and the embassies and UN delegations of the various Arab nations.