Anti-Semitic signs in downtown Detroit have created anxieties among Jews and embarrassment among some non-Jews, according to The Jewish News. The newspaper reported that anti-Semitic graffiti, abusive references to Jews and swastikas were painted on the fountain in Grand Circus Park and on several public buildings in the downtown area.
Police are investigating. Leon Atchison, city director of parks and recreation, said there had been two incidents within three weeks and he believed the same person was responsible both times. Others, however, believe more than one person is to blame because the defacings were widespread.
Paul’s Drug Store on Broadway, owned by the brothers Paul and Joseph Deutch, had 12 anti-Semitic slogans spray-painted on its outside wall which could not be removed and had to be painted over. The scribbling said “oil, yes, Jews no,” “jobs yes, Jews no,” and “ovens for immoral Jews.” There were also a large number of swastikas.
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.
