July 30, 2010

100 Years Ago in the Forward

One hundred and six Jews, who were attempting to flee terrible conditions in Russia, drowned near Kherson Province when their steamship went up in flames and sank. Among the dead were many women and children. The steamer, Lovki, was packed with passengers, mostly Jewish emigrants. As it made its way over the Black Sea, it collided with another ship. Panic ensued, and the passengers ran riot, trampling each other. Many jumped overboard, and a number of mothers threw their children overboard, as well, thinking the children would have a better chance. Then, suddenly, the engine exploded. The ship heaved upward, and then down, sinking into the sea, with all its passengers.

75 Years Ago in the Forward

Thirty-seven Jews were arrested in Berlin and other German cities on charges of smearing the German nation, selling on the black market and having affairs with German women. In light of the numerous attacks on German Jews, President Franklin Roosevelt called Hjalmar Schacht, Germany’s economic minister, to express his dismay at the hounding of Germany’s Jews. Roosevelt also contacted Germany’s ambassador to the United States and personally told him the same. This was the first time the American government officially addressed the Jewish problem in Germany.

50 Years Ago in the Forward

The Arab League has decided to begin an economic boycott of Iran after the shah’s de facto recognition of the State of Israel. The league announced that all Iranian companies will be put on its black list, and it hopes that the rest of the Arab countries will follow in Egypt’s footsteps and cut off diplomatic relations with Iran. Egypt’s ambassador has already left Tehran, and Iran’s ambassador and his staff were expected to depart from Cairo soon. In a speech in Alexandria, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser said that the shah gave in just so that he “could get a few dollars in American aid.”

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