No Provision for “conscientious Objectors,” in Judaism, British Rabbis Told

Judaism has furnished no basis for conscientious objectors to military service, Chief Rabbi Joseph H. Hertz declared today in a letter to all British rabbis. He said Judaism “ranks defense of country among the supreme duties.”

Asserting that the supreme national tasks of the hour were preparedness and service, Rabbi Hertz continued: “In such time when Britain looks to her children to rally in her defense, the first duty of Jewish ministers is to arouse the manhood of the congregation to the sacredness of the national call.” He called on the ministers to deliver sermons on national service and to urge youths to join the Territorial Army and others to participate in other branches of national service.