All Jewish groups in Hungary today issued a sharply-worded proclamation reproaching the government for its “lenient handling” of recent anti-Semitic disturbances. It also urged the proper authorities to put an end to the anti-Semitic utterances appearing in the press.
Suggesting that a special military unit responsible for curbing anti-Jewish outbreaks be set up, the statement added: “We demand frankness. If the Jews are undesirable, then make emigration possible for us. But pending such emigration opportunities, we demand protection of the law for all Jews.”
The Labor Service Veterans Federation composed of Jews who served in forced labor units has distributed posters appealing to the Hungarian people to help Jews “realize their hopes for security,” and urging that all perpetrators of anti-Semitic incidents be punished. “Self-restraint is not cowardice,” the veterans’ posters read. “The next murderers (of Jews) will have to confront our closed ranks.”
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
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.
