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1121
DO JEWS
DESTROY THEMSELVES?
A Jew Comments on a Je.
Credo for Anti-Semitism
Hy III.XKY A/OX TOR
This article, presen tin,, the standpoint
of one individual is published be
cause it presents a point of view
which is of unusual significance at
this juncture. Air. A!on tor s
stand has the support oj many
leaders m this country and is as
cently opposed by other outstand
ing personalities.
If one ignores evidences of an
increase of anti-Semitic feeling in
America one is charged with re
peating the cowardice which char
acterized the Jews of Germany in
tilt* years prior to the ascension of
Adoif Hitler. If one recognizes and
insists upon an awareness of the
activities of anti-Semites one is
likely to be charged with hyper
sensitivity and neuroses.
It is not strange, therefore, that
there is not in this country a unified
program for meeting a situation
whose disturbing symbols confront
the Jew at the most unexpected
times and places. Whether or not
a unified program is desirable, it is
clear that under no circumstances
is it possible. For the Jews of
America, as the axiomatic phrase
has it, are as diversified in their
background, motives and aspira
tions as any other single group in
the United States. Jews would do
well to take into consideration the
implications of t hat fact.
What should he the Jewish atti
tude toward Father ('oughlin, for
example? The hysterical reaction
that followed his recent reference
to the names of several Jewish
bankers is the most striking demon
stration of the confusion that pre
vails with regard to the essentials
of a program of Jewish preserva
tion. Conservative and liberal Jew
ish papers, organizations and leaders
united in one pained expression
to voice their horror and their
humiliation that Father Coughlin
should have dared to invoke the
names of a number of international
bankers of Jewish origin. Emanat
ing from a central fact-finding
organization, a report was pub
lished and blazoned forth showing
that the Jewish bankers floated only
a tiny fraction of the international
loans of the past two decades. So
what ?
Why was it. incumbent upon
Jewish leaders to rise to the defense
of these Jewish bankers, all of
whom, with but one honorable
exception, represent forces entirely
unallied with Jewish life? In the
first place it is extremely doubtful
whether the millions of radio list
eners of Father ( oughlin under
stood the “pilpulistic" anti-Semi
tism of his remarks until the news
papers of the land carried attacks
upon Father ('oughlin as an anti-
Semite.
The defense of the Jewish be
is characteristic of the conflict
hypocrisy with which the pr<
of anti-Semitism in Ameri< j s
approached. Apparently, the
pie which has lived longest • ,th
history has learned least from ins
tory. What it should have learned
is that anti-Semitism is not an
isolated phenomenon, which \\r< : ,L
havoc upon Jews alone. Anti-
Semitism is but an offshoot of a
political and economic situation
which affects the entire country.
As long as Jews will insist upon
treating anti-Semitism as their ex
clusive burden, so long will they
fail to enlist the enduring sym
pathy and understanding of the
varied liberal groups to whom the
elements of civilization are still
precious.
Because Father Coughlin made
unpleasant references to hankers
who happen to be Jews, he is
branded an anti-Semite. With
truth, lie can point out that he has
consistently welcomed Jews, Cath
olics and Protestants into his Union
for Social Justice. With justice, he
can show that on many broadcasts
lie has reiterated his belief that all
men, regardless of creed, are affected
by the political and economic con
ditions which lie opposes. Why,
then, must Jews continue to press
him, prod him. until he is forced to
announce publicly: “All right, if
you wish it so, F am an anti-
Semite.’’ Will that help the Jewish
position in the United States?
Will those who are now badgering
Father (’oughlin about his allegedly
anti-Jewish views feel easier in
their conscience when they have
added one more powerful enemy
to the galaxy who intend to use
animosity toward the Jew as a
political lever?
It is not my intention to absolve
Father Coughlin of anti-Semitism.
Until he declares himself openly.
I shall give him the benefit of the
doubt. But the .Jewish policy
toward Father ('oughlin is a strange
one. Here is a man who commands
the largest individual following of
any person in America, with the
exception of the President himself.
His political power is growing
menacing, whether it be for good or
evil. Have Jews nothing to say
of this problem, except to cry that
he does not harbor love for the
Jews in his breast? Have *le">
no part whatsoever in the general
political future and destiny °*
America? If Father (’oughlii
menace, it is because he i> com
bining in beguiling measure
tic program of social justice "id 1
a medieval conception of the func
tion of the State and the rim ' 1
(Continued on Page 1 7
JF THE SOUTHERN ISRA! LITE