German Jewry: Protest of the Reichsvertretung: the Refusal to Include Jews In the Wehrmacht*

Reichsvertretung der deutschen Juden

To His Excellency,

The Reich Minister of War, Generaloberst von Blomberg

Berlin

The Government of the German Reich, on March 16, 1935, published the Law for the Reconstruction of the Wehrmacht. "Service in the Wehrmacht is based on general conscription." The duty of serving in the Army means the right to be a German soldier. This right and this duty is also claimed by the German Jews. In view of the legislation on Aryans the Reichsvertretung der deutschen Juden feels called upon to bring this fact to your especial knowledge, Mr. Reich Minister of War, as it will be your responsibility to prepare the supplementary regulations to the Law.

Twelve thousand German Jews gave their lives for Germany in the World War. In memory of these dead, as representatives for the living, for ourselves and our children, we declare:

We German Jews are confident that we will not be denied participation in military service on equal terms with other Germans.

Reichsvertretung der deutschen Juden

signed Baeck

Sources: Juedische Rundschau, No. 78, September 29, 1933.

* Reichsvertretung der deutschen Juden – National Representation of German Jews.