The question whether American Jewish newspapers should print notices about intermarriages between Jews and non-Jews has become a problem in the Anglo-Jewish press in this country. Articles, editorials and comments from readers have been printed this week in at least two weeklies, the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, and the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, of Milwaukee.
Both newspapers raised the question editorially, asking their readers to express their opinions on the issue. The Kansas City newspaper noted that, “because of our firm dis-approval of such marriages, we have heretofore declined to print wedding reports of such non-Jewish marriages. “
The Milwaukee newspaper, noting that some readers have asked why it does print such announcements, stated it had replied “why not?” continuing: “We know it happens and we know there is some apprehension as to what extent it will continue. We would be less than cognizant of modern-day Jewish life if we buried our head in the sand like an ostrich and denied its existence. “
Both newspapers deplored the trend regarding intermarriage, but asked their readers to express themselves on whether to print or not to print such notices. In the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, readers seemed to be divided on the issue. Some insisted that no such notices be used. Others maintained that it was not the business of the editor to suppress news, even if he disagreed with a development on principle.
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.
