A Story about Meat

Back in the 1950’s, on one of those days when the temperature was way below zero, an announcement was made in a small USSR village, of the arrival of a fresh supply of meat. The inhabitants, bundled from toe to head with heavy coats and blankets, ran as fast as they could to stand in line in front of the market.

After a long hour, they finally saw a man coming out of the shop, who made the following announcement: “Comrades, I regret to advise you, that there is not enough meat for everybody. All the Jews in line must leave.”

Unhappy, a group of Jews left the line.

Another hour passed, and the same man came out again: “Comrades,” he says, “I regret to advise you that there isn’t enough meat for everybody. Those who are not members of the Communist Party must leave.”

Some more people left the line, disgustedly.

Another hour passed, and the man came out again: “Comrades,” he says, “I regret to advise you that there is not enough meat for everybody in line.

Those who were not members of the Party prior to 1956 must leave the line.”

A group of young people left the line, disgruntled. Now, there were only a few old people left in the line.

Another hour passed, with the temperature dropping lower and the day getting darker. The man came out again: “Comrades,” he says, “I’m sorry to advise you that we have no meat at all. All of you can go home.”

One old woman turns to the one behind her: “See that”? she says, “The Jews, they always get preferential treatment.”