Johann von Leers

Johann von Leers (January 25, 1902-March 5, 1965) was a German professor known for his anti-Jewish polemics. He published for Goebbels', in Peron's Argentina, and for Nasser's Egypt.

Born in Vietlübbe (Mecklenburg). He was involved in the Free Corps. He joined the NSDAP in 1929. He wrote the notorious anti-Semitic tract (published and popular during the Third Reich), "Juden Sehen Dich An" ([The] Jews are Observing You). He was fluent in five languages, including Hebrew and Japanese.

In 1945 he fled to Italy, living there for five years, and then moving to Argentina in 1950. Five years thereafter he moved from Argentina to Egypt.

In Nasser's Egypt

Leers became the political adviser to the Information Department under Muhammad Naguib. He continued to specialize in anti-Semitism, managing anti-Israel propaganda.

He converted to Islam, and changed his name to Omar Amin. He was a close friend of Muhammad Amin Al-Husayni.

In its first decade, the West German government tried in vain to have him extradited for war crimes. He died in Cairo.

References

• Biographical Dictionary of the Extreme Right Since 1890 edited by Philip Rees, (1991, ISBN 0-13-089301-3)
• The Beast Reawakens by Martin A. Lee (1997, ISBN 0-316-51959-6)
• Behind the Egyptian Sphinx: Nasser's strange bedfellows; prelude to World War III? by Irving Sedar and Harold J. Greenberg (Philadelphia, Chilton Co., 1960)