Belated Purim Services Held in Goebbels Castle by American Jewish Troops

Miescern-Gladbach, Germany, Mar. 8 (JTA) – Gladbach, Germany, 3/8/1945. (JTA) -- Belated Purim services were held here yesterday in a castle belonging to Dr. Joseph Goebels by front-line troops who were too busy fighting last week to pause for the traditional observances.

Capt, Manual Poliakeff of Baltimore, a Jewish chaplain, carefully arranged the candles over a swastike-bedecked bookcase in Goebbels' main dining room. Pfc, Arnold Reich of Meadville, Pa. and Corp. Martin Willen of Baltimore assisted the chaplain.

The services were attended by a large crowd which filled the vast room. Jewish and man-Jewish soldiers were in the audience, and the Jews explained to their Christian conrades about Haman and why it was so fitting that Purim services should be held in a castle belonging to Goebbels.