Eugen Mittwoch behalf of Mittwoch. Because of their colonial activities in Ethiopia, the Italians were extremely interested in Mittwoch's knowledge and research. Mittwoch was very active on behalf of the Ethiopian Jews (Falasha), and was also one of the first German Jews who could speak fluent Ivrit. Starting in 1933, Mittwoch used his "privileged" position in Germany (he continued to receive his salary as a German professor until the beginning of the war) on behalf of the Jewish community, he became head of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in Berlin. However, in 1938, after Kristallnacht, also Mittwoch had to emigrate, and
German-American Day designating October 6, 1987, as German-American Day. It became when President Reagan signed it on August 18. A proclamation (#) to this effect was issued October 2, 1987, by President Reagan in a formal ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, at which time the President called on Americans to observe the Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Presidents since then have continued to make proclamations to observe German-American Day. German-American Day German-American Day () is a holiday in the United States, observed annually on October 6 under . German-American Day, which celebrates German American heritage, commemorates the date in