Description

This report indicates that an anti-Jewish demonstration took place in Khenchela on July 13 at 11:00 p.m. In the evening, two speeches were delivered at the Khenchela stadium. Mayor M. Fremanger spoke about the development of the locality, its history, and the colonizing achievements of France and the Bachagha Benchenouf Si Lachemi compared the action of Joan of Arc with the high deeds of Kahéna. He concluded by urging everyone to unite behind the Marshal. Then a movement of children of Khenchela and young people formed, shouting “Vive la France, Vive le Maréchal Pétain, Down with the Jews”. Two police officers intervened but were stoned. Jewish houses were attacked by throwing stones and projectiles weighing from three to five kilos. Almost all the houses were attacked and the violence ceased when reinforcement of agents arrived. The next day there were several arrests. Gilbert Pallaï and Alfred Mattasoglio having already made tendentious remarks attracted attention. According to this report, an error by a Muslim Secretary of the Khenchela Legion branch may have had an influence on these anti-Semitic incidents. Butterflies signed by the Legion and reproducing extracts from speeches by Marshal Pétain were pasted on the Jewish doors. The young secretary did not respect the orders received which were to stick all these butterflies in broad daylight on all doors.