Convention committees of the Independent Order Brith Abraham were at work today on proposals of Max Silverstein, its grand master, for three meetings — the golden jubilee of the order in connection with the fiftieth convention in New York next year, a non-sectarian conference of he ads of American fraternal organizations to combat un-Americanism and a meeting of the heads of national Jewish organizations on common problems.
In his grand master’s message, Mr. Silverstein declared that “dark forces are endeavoring to disturb the peace, harmony and unity existing in this country.” He asked that he be permitted to call the nonsectarian conference “to combat dictatorship tendencies, un-Americanism and attacks on human rights and liberties.”
Touching on the question of “unity in Israel,” he held the order should strive to make peace between the American Jewish Congress and the American Jewish Committee. For that purpose, he urged that he be authorized to call a meeting of the heads of all the national organizations to have them unite on all problems involving Jewry, Judaism and fraternalism.
Past Grand Master Judge Leon Sanders proposed suspension of the constitution on limitation of the third term for Grand Master Silverstein and First Deputy Samuel Goldstein, permitting their nomination for the golden jubilee year. This was adopted by acclamation.
Dr. S. Margoshes, giving greetings for the American Jewish Congress attacked the American Jewish Committee for what he called subterfuge methods against the World Jewish Congress. He demanded a united front against anti-Semitism. In addition, he proposed that a Jewish House be opened at the New York World Fair.
More than 800 delegates representing 400 lodges in 27 states are attending the convention.
After submitting his report, Max L. Hollander, Grand Secretary, read a letter from President Roosevelt praising the ideals of the order, its contribution to American life and its humanitarian activities which he said “constitute a bright chapter in the history of philanthropy in the country during the last century.”
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.
