The Central Council of Jews in Germany today called for the “democratization of key posts” in West Germany following the disclosure that Wilhelm Schepmann, the last commander of the Nazi S.A. paramilitary organization, had been named a Deputy Mayor of the town of Gifhorn, near Hanover. Schepmann’s election by the Gifhorn Town Council was revealed in the latest issue of Welt der Arbeit, a trade union paper which termed his election “unpardonable.”
In a resolution, the Central Council of Jews described Schepmann as a “pogrom activist” for his part in the Nazi’s burning of synagogues throughout Germany on the infamous “Crystal Night” in November 1938. The former Nazi won the third highest number of votes in the balloting for the Gifhorn Town Council on March 19.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.