We will resist, say Prague Jews

Determination to fight the right-wing extremists’ march is strengthening among Czech Jews. While some want to protest the march in a peaceful way, some have already organized a protest-march, and among Czech Jews is growing a tendency to defend against neo-nazis by force.

The radical group includes i.e. Arnost Lustig, (a Czech writer who survived Nazi despotism) known especially for his stories that take place during the Holocaust. “I wouldn’t mind a conflict. Both sides can win.” The writer is disgusted by the judgment, according to which the neo-nazis can march in Prague Jewish town on the Crystal night anniversary. According to him the march is sadism, induration and disregard.

The president Vaclav Klaus also protests against the extremists’ action and in his announcement yesterday he appealed to “all the responsible authorities, not to allow such a politically and morally unacceptable event, which dispraise the memory of Nazi crimes and which is not possible to tolerate under cover of freedom of speech and assemblage.”

How would the police act on a possible battle is not clear. In the meantime they wait for a definitive confirmation of the march.