Welfare Funds Will Exceed Record Sums of Last Year, Cjfwf Survey Reveals

The Jewish welfare funds of America will raise ##stantially more this year for overseas, national and local needs than the record ## of 1946. This is the conclusion reached by the Council of Jewish Federations ## Welfare Funds as a result of a poll just made of a cross-section of member communities throughout the country.The sampling reveals total goals 65 percent greater than last year for all ##poses. The first special gift meetings indicate that the goals will be obtained. ##falo reports 75 percent increases; Detroit, 78 percent; Kansas City, 100 percent; ##waukee, 87 percent; Peoria, 100 percent; St. Louis, 50 to 75 percent; and Water##, 100 percent. This is in line with the pace set by the special gifts meetings ## the national United Jewish Appeal in Hollywood Beach and Washington, and the early ##turns from all communities.A question which was uppermost in the minds of community leaders when they ## at the national UJA conference in November, and even at the Council’s General ##sembly, two months later – last year’s pledge of one-time giving-seems to be ##ding as a threat, thanks to a careful and reasoned stating of the facts, the communities report. At worst, the reaction is a spotty one, raised here and there formally by “Big Gifts” prospects. These objections, according to campaign leaders, are usually withdrawn after a frank discussion of the problems created by the ##ilure and/or inability of governments to meet their obligations to Jewish war ##ctims, the tremendous increase in the number of Jewish DP’s, the sharp curtailment ## imminent stoppage of all UNRRA activities.Though cautiously optimistic, many top leaders and givers believe that “the ##ney is here and the community can meet its goals.” Some report that “business con##tions this year are certainly as good as in 1946 and in some respects better.” according to the sample, many more communities will initiate Christian campaigns ##is year, with non-Jewish leaders taking direct responsibility for these efforts, ## with greater selectivity of prospects.