A leader of the American Jewish Congress voiced confidence today that Negro anti-Semitism, which he described as growing, would be rejected by the overwhelming number of American Negroes. The same leader, Shad Polier, warned, however, of “tragic consequences” if Jews should respond with bitterness, hostility and anti-Negroism, “a product no less terrible than anti-Semitism.” He spoke at a meeting of the Governing Council, the policy-making body of the American Jewish Congress, of which he is chairman.
In his report, Mr. Polier declared: “The Negro in striking out against the Jew is assaulting a white world which he believes has short-changed him and which he believes is determined to take advantage of him. This growing phenomenon has taken place despite the active role of Jews in supporting the Negro’s just demands for full equality.
“I do not dismiss Negro anti-Semitism. But I am equally concerned lest Jews react to it by alienating them selves from the struggle for racial justice. Such a response will be self-defeating and can serve only to fuel the fires of anti-Semitism and civil strife in our country.” The American Jewish Congress leader said he did not regard Negro anti-Semitism as “either pervasive or enduring.”
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.
