Tagesprobleme

Publication of a speech given in Berlin at the main gathering of the Central Verein deutscher Staatsbürger jüdischen Glaubens on April 12th, 1924. The foreword of the publication laments the prevailing antisemitism. The author urges his readers to stand up and defend themselves. He argues that antisemitism can be accepted by Jews until they become as the prophets wished. The claim that Jews are not cultured but civilized (culture is directed inward, whereas civilization is directed outward) is found repulsive by the author. He gives an eloquent defense of Jewish values that are incorporated in modern welfare and social laws. He also argues that assimilation should be welcomed and encouraged when it does not entail religious customs. In addition, he also urges more tolerance and understanding for the plight of “Ostjuden” (Eastern Jews). The final argument against “deutschvölkische“ (german national) ideology is that it is not only antisemitic, but antireligious. The goal of the ideology is to destroy the unity of the nation on all levels of faith, knowledge and ability.