Letter from Charles D. Levy to President Calvin Coolidge Requesting Protection for Jews from the Ku Klux Klan
Charles D. Levy, a prominent businessman and staunch Republican, penned a letter to President Calvin Coolidge on June 24th, 1924, detailing distressing incidents of discrimination against Jewish merchants by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in Ohio. The letter, archived in the records of the Department of Justice, underscores Levy's plea for presidential intervention to safeguard his rights and those of other Jewish citizens.
Levy, owner of twenty-three department stores across Ohio, expressed deep concern over KKK-orchestrated boycotts against his businesses solely because of his Jewish heritage. He recounted an alarming incident in Ashland, Ohio, where Klan members openly incited a crowd to avoid patronizing Jewish merchants. This public demonstration of prejudice, witnessed by thousands, compelled Levy to seek refuge in Coolidge's promise of "law and order" and protection for all citizens, as outlined in the Republican platform.
In his letter, Levy implores President Coolidge to fulfill this commitment immediately, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as he faced imminent relocation from affected areas upon lease expiration. His appeal resonates with a plea for justice and fairness, highlighting the discriminatory tactics employed against him purely based on his religious background.
The letter serves as a poignant historical document, illustrating the challenges faced by Jewish Americans during a period marked by racial and religious tensions perpetuated by groups like the KKK. It also underscores the role of political leadership in upholding civil rights and protecting minority communities from discrimination and persecution.
As a significant artifact from the early 20th century, Levy's letter stands as a testament to the resilience of individuals in the face of bigotry and their steadfast belief in the principles of equality and justice under the law. It captures a pivotal moment in American history when citizens looked to their government for protection and redress against acts of intolerance and discrimination, appealing directly to the highest office for support and action.
In conclusion, Charles D. Levy's letter to President Calvin Coolidge not only documents a personal plea for protection but also echoes broader themes of civil rights and the ongoing struggle against prejudice, resonating with contemporary discussions on diversity, equity, and the role of government in safeguarding the rights of all its citizens.
Original article:
Letter from Charles D. Levy to President Calvin Coolidge Requesting Protection for Jews from the Ku Klux Klan
https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6874226
Record Group 60: General Records of the Department of JusticeSeries: Straight Numerical FilesFile Unit: 198589, Section 560-619 (5)
198589
Chas. D. Levy
WHOLESALE DRY GOODS
OFFICES AND SALESROOMS
1444-1450 St. Clair Avenue
CLEVELAND OHIO
June 24th, 1924.
[Stamped begin] RESPECTFULLY REFERRED FOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSIDERATION.
C.B. Sleuk Secy. to the President [Stamped end]
Honorable Calvin Coolidge,
President of the United States,
Washington, D.C.
My Dear Mr. President:
I have been a staunch Republican for many years, casting my first vote for James. A. Garfield.
I have twenty-three Department Stores located throughout the different towns and cities of Ohio. In some of these towns and cities the Ku Klux Klan organization has placed a boycott on several of my stores, on account of me being fortunate enough to be born a Hebrew, and just as soon as the present leases expire I will be compelled to move from these sections.
In the town of Ashland, Ohio, where one of my stores is located, there was held a meeting in the Public Square, and in front of thousands of spectators who had gathered to hear the speakers, the Ku Klux Klan openly told the audience they should not patronize any Jewish merchant. I think this is just plain boycott and very unfair to an American citizen or even a Non-American citizen.
I have read your platform and taken special notice to the paragraph in which you state that you demand "law and order" and "the protection of all citizens."
All I am asking for is your protection in this matter. If you have promised it for the next four years there is no reason why you cannot give it to us now, as you are The President now, of this glorious country, the same as I hope you will be for the next four years.
I await your kind reply for which I thank you in advance.
Very sincerely,
Chas. D. Levy
https://www.facebook.com/TodaysDoc