The dynamiting of Jewish temples in the South has prompted two interpretations--one by a University Professor, the other by a representative of the B'nai B'rith Anti-Defamation League.
Paul J. Tillich, University Professor, stated that the bombing of Southern synagogues "follows very much the pattern we experienced in Germany in the 1920's."
In an interview after a Friday appearance on WJAR-TV, in "The World Around Us" series, Tillich expressed his opinion that the violence was an indication of a search for a scapegoat, and a rebellion against the "egghead."
"We are in a period in which people feel themselves searching for a meaning to existence," Tillich said. Because of a feeling of degeneration and emptiness, "people are looking for a scapegoat, and it has always been that the group which was different became it."
Tillich, who fled from Nazi Germany in 1933, also stated that the South has much older problems than did Nazi Germany, since the South's problems go back to the days of slavery and resentment against the North.
Silverman Concurs
Jason S. Silverman, a representative of the Anti-Defamation League, expressed a similar opinion at the Round Table of World Affairs held yesterday at Hillel House.
He stated that the Jew is often made the scapegoat because of basic differences that divide him from the total community. Thus, a Jew becomes identified with an object of hatred with which he has no connection.
Another reason for the attack on the Jews, Silverman stated, is that the segregationists are attempting to extend their base of operations in order to divert law enforcement authorities. Some Southerners claim that Jews are trying to "divide and conquer" Negro and white Christians, said Silverman, in order to justify the bombings.
Silverman did not believe that anti-Jewish violence would decrease, but he claimed that there might be a shift in emphasis. He prophesied that the blame for the dynamite attacks will be attributed to a Northern group which will further confuse the situation.
Integration Discussion Planned
Four Nieman Fellows will meet next Monday evening, to discuss the position and progress of desegregation in certain Southern cities. The panelists will include Robert G. McCloskey, Chairman of the Department of Government, John P. Kelley from the Atlanta Journal, John L. Siegenthaler from the Nashville Tennessean, Philip Johnson from the New Orleans Item, and Perry E. Morgan from the Charlotte News. V. O. Key, Jr., Jonathan Trumbull Professor of American History and Government, will moderate the discussion.
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