The Italian Jews May Be Called to Duty in Civil Service

The Jews may be called to duty to civil service All those of the Jewish race, even if discriminate, between the ages of 18 years old and 55 years old, are subjected to this measure for work purposes Rome, May 6. Starting from today all those of the Jewish race, even if discriminated, between the ages of 18 years old and 55 years old included, are subjected to be called to duty to civil service for work purposes. The Regime prefects are in charge of carrying out the legislative measures, issuing decrees of calling to duty. The transgressors of the decree will be, by the law, denounced to the Military Court. (Stefani) The legislative measure of the call to duty of those belonging to the Jewish race, even if discriminate, answers not only to practical and contingent reasons, but also and in first place, to impartiality reasons. As it is known, indeed, Jews are exempted from the military service. It was not fair that those who are exempted in this way from the risks of the military life, especially in war time, would not be contributing to the productive necessities of the land that hosts them. We have no doubts that the legislative measures announced today will be well welcomed by the Italian population, that indeed considered too advantageous the situation in which, until now, the Jewish race was treated.

Source: Corriere della Sera Newspaper Milan, May 7, 1942

Source: Yad Vashem