Mussolini And The Jews In Italy

Julius T. Loeb, “Letters to the Editor: Mussolini And The Jews In Italy,” Washington Post (Washington, DC), May 31, 1937.

Mussolini And The Jews In Italy.

    To the Editor of The Post—Sir: The latest “master stroke” of Rome power is the issuance of a warning to Jews in Italy that they cease being identified with all that is appertaining to Jews and Judaism. Or, banishment will be their portion, and they will share the fate that overtook their forbears of Spain in 1492.

    Settlement of Jews in Italy dates back to 200 B. C., and throughout the passing centuries theirs has been a brilliant record in scholarship, statecraft and industry, as well as in civic and military achievement.

    Through cruel oppression, slaughter and forceful conversion they were reduced to the scant number of some 45,000 souls found in Italy today. These, too, are known to have rendered valiant service to the country in peace and in war. They owe nothing to Il Duce or King Victor Emmanuel beyond their loyalty as citizens or subjects. To demand their self-abrogation as an integral part of the Jewish race, their renouncement of the ancient faith and tradition is tantamount to an onslaught of old paganism, which has beaten itself and crashed against the Rock of Ages.

    RABBI J. T. LOEB.

    Washington, May 27.