"There was reference made to a book written in Greek by a former Rabbi who had been converted to Christianity. There was reference to a publication of a high clergyman of Milan. Not even did Jews raise objections to that book"

Julius Streicher’s statement reflects an attempt to lend legitimacy to accusations or claims against Jews by citing external authorities. The reference to a book “written in Greek by a former Rabbi who had been converted to Christianity” is meant to imply that even someone deeply familiar with Judaism, an insider who has since changed religious allegiance, has produced material, supposedly incriminating, about Jews. By specifying that the book was written in Greek, Streicher may be implying scholarly credibility or a connection to ancient sources, which could sway non-Jewish audiences regarding its authenticity or significance.

The mention of a publication by a “high clergyman of Milan” serves a similar purpose: evoking the authority of Christian religious figures and suggesting that anti-Jewish content appears not only from former Jews but also from respected figures within the Christian hierarchy. This rhetorical approach attempts to give the views Streicher supports a sort of ecumenical validation, as if both Jewish converts and Christian leaders agree, thus making the position difficult to dispute.

The final assertion, “Not even did Jews raise objections to that book,” aims to silence anticipated rebuttals. Streicher uses this supposed lack of objection as indirect evidence for the truthfulness of the referenced charges. He implies that silence from Jews regarding the book’s content is tantamount to acquiescence or an inability to refute the claims made within. In reality, such an argument is misleading: absence of public objection can result from numerous factors, including fear, marginalization, or lack of awareness, rather than agreement with the claims.

Altogether, Streicher’s rhetoric is designed to construct an argument from authority, relying on third-party statements and the apparent silence of the accused to underpin and validate antisemitic narratives. By aligning such sources, Streicher seeks to persuade his audience of the universality and unassailability of his arguments, sidestepping the need for factual evidence through appeals to authority and silence.