The Soviet Union was charged today with “deliberate cultural genocide” against the Russian Jewish community at the so-called “Court of World Public Opinion” now holding a “trial” of international Communism at Georgetown University here under auspices of anti-Communist groups. The witness was Dr. Joseph Dunner, professor of political science and international law at Yeshiva University in New York.
Dr. Dunner described measures taken to destroy Jewish life in Russia. When asked by the tribunal if there were any other countries that persecuted the Jews, he replied: “The Arab countries.” He said the treatment of Jews in Spain could not be considered “persecution” although Catholicism is recognized as the official state religion.
Dr. Dunner charged that the USSR prohibits the printing of the Hebrew Bible and will not allow the unrestricted teaching of Judaism and Jewish history. He said there are now only four rabbis in all of Russia for a Jewish population of between 3 and 4 million.
The mock trial at which Dr. Dunner testified caused controversy here by some who complained that extreme right-wing elements were among sponsors and witnesses. Georgetown University later issued a statement explaining that while proceedings were held at the university, the Catholic institution neither endorsed nor approved the “trial.”
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.
