Jews Demand Harsh Punishment for Anti-Jewish Remark
Source: Associated Press | March 12, 2001
German Jewish Official Seeks Action
MUNICH, Germany (AP) — The head of the local Jewish community demanded action Monday against a Munich club owner accused of making an anti-Semitic remark in canceling a charity event with the granddaughter of the slain Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
”I demand a harsh punishment and that this man have his business license withdrawn,” said Charlotte Knobloch.
Rudolf Fischer canceled the Sunday evening event for 400 guests at his Y Julieta club that was to include Noa Ben-Artzi, whose moving eulogy for her grandfather after his assassination captured world attention.
Fischer told local media that he didn’t normally allow political events to be held at his club. But according to Claus Peter Zistl, a lawyer for the charity, Fischer told one of its members that the cancelation last week was because ”he wanted nothing to do” with Jews and would sooner host a far-right political rally.
Zistl said members of the Keren Hayessod charity would file criminal complaints and claims for compensation against Fischer. The event was held at another club in the city.
Knobloch said she wasn’t surprised at Fischer’s statement in the light of regular verbal and written attacks on Germany’s Jewish community.
Ben-Artzi said she was disturbed by the incident.
”It wasn’t the warm greeting that I expected,” she told Bavarian radio. ”It was unpleasant and shocking.”
AP-NY-03-12-01 1526EST
