harassing restrictions apply chiefly to Jews in professional and academic fields. But Jews engaged in business were also maltreated and aroused. That is shown by the many appeals to the Nazi leaders, from Hitler down, imploring their followers not to interfere with business enterprises in the hands of Jews.
“It is clear, however, from the fact that such appeals are frequently repeated that the more rabid National Socialists still have the upper hand in this respect, that such interference is going on continually, and that the government cannot effectively check it without embarking on a policy which would be in direct opposition to a tremendous number of their following who had been prepared for anti-Jewish tactics by thirteen years of persistent agitation.”
SOVIET AND RELIGION
Dr. Adler’s report also dealt with the position of religious Jewish elements in Soviet Russia, expressing the hope that the establishment of friendly relations will influence the Soviet government in the direction of moderation.
“Your Committee hopes,” Dr. Adler said, “that in the course of diplomatic relations with the Soviet government which have been ushered in by the recognition ### that government by the United States, our government may find an appropriate occasion to impress upon the Soviet government that the American people, of all creeds, would cordially welcome a more human# attitude towards religious functionaries and a more liberal policy toward religious education.”
WARNS OF NAZI ACTS
The object of the Committee, Dr. Adler stated, was to “keep Americans informed as to the true nature of Nazified Germany, lest they be misled into forgetting the blow that Nazism had dealt all civilization.
“We must concern ourselves with the problem of keeping before the American people a true picture of conditions in Germany as they affect not only the Jews but all who believe in peace, in liberal doctrines, in freedom of conscience and in civil liberties.
“We must also attempt to combat the virus of anti-Semitism spread by native demagogues and Hitler allies. It is our purpose to help maintain among Americans of all faiths an appreciation of the traditional principles of our country. We seek in numerous ways to present the values of our democracy, to emphasize that group hatred is a menace to the democratic structure of our country. In short, it is our aim to strengthen in every way possible an adherence to the American way of living in friendship, in amity and mutual understanding.”
COMMON CAUSE
Dr. Adler concluded by saying: “Without hysteria but with profound concern we have in many ways sought to illumine the public mind with respect to the dangers of anti-Semitism and all forms of racial and religious bigotry, not only to the Jews but to all people who love liberty and justice. The press, the clergy, public officials, and leaders in all walks of life and of all faiths are making common cause to stem bigotry and anti-religious movements.
“It is evident that the American people, though sorely tried by economic distress, have been immune to the unscrupulous but skillful propaganda of the Nazis and others who desire to exploit racial prejudices for their own selfish ends.
REPORT DISCUSSED
“It is imperative, however, that our efforts in cooperation with Protestants and Catholics continue unabated and in such a manner as to convince our non-Jewish fellow Americans that the rights we demand for our co-religionists in other countries are those elemental human rights which constitute the basis of American civilization.”
A general discussion followed Dr. Adler’s report, which was participated in by Sol M. Stroock, James N. Rosenberg, Judge Irving Lehman, Rabbi E. M. Kalisch of Norfolk, Va., and B. Stoltz of Syracuse, New York.
The present administration of the American Jewish Committee was unanimously reelected at the close of the all-day meeting. The name of George Z. Medalie, of New York, was substituted on the executive committee for that of the late Max J. Kohler.
ADLER CHOSEN AGAIN
Dr. Adler was reelected president; Abram I. Elkus, honorary vice-president; Irving Lehman and Louis E. Kerstein, vice-presidents; Samuel D. Liedesdorf, treasurer; Sol M. Stroock, chairman. of Executive Committee, and the following members of the committee:
Cyrus Adler, James H. Becker, David M. Bressler, Fred M. Butzel, James Davis, Abram I. Elkus, Eli Frank, Henry Ittleson, Louis E. Kirstein, Albert D. Lasker, Fred Lazarus Jr., Irving Lehman, Samuel D. Leidesdorf, James Marshall, Julius L. Meier, Joseph M. Proskauer, A. C. Rat#hesky, Milton J. Rosenau, James N. Rosenberg, Samuel I. Rosenman, Lessing J. Rosenwald, Ralph J. Schwarz, Horace Stern, Roger W. Straus, Lewis L. Strauss, Sol M. Stroock, B. C. Vladeck, Felix M. Warburg, Morris Wolf.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
