Chief Rabbi Israel Brodie of the British Empire today sent a circular letter to all rabbis under his jurisdiction warning them against playing unwittingly into the hands of Communist and pro-Communist groups “which insinuate their propaganda” into Jewish circles. He especially requested the rabbis to advise the members of their congregations against signing so-called “peace petitions” which emanate from pro-Communist groups.
“Great caution should be displayed when you are called upon to be associated with causes which sound altruistic and humanitarian, but of whose ultimate sponsors you are not certain,” the Chief Rabbi’s letter says. With regard to the “peace petitions,” the Chief Rabbi points out in his letter that “Jewish ministers work for peace through the Jewish Peace Society and the United Nations Association, collaborating with the clergy of all denominations, in setting aside days of prayer in behalf of the U.N. and world peace.”
Explaining his move, the British Chief Rabbi said: “Organizations and societies have suddenly appeared which really do not seek peace for its own sake. Those who are behind them are interested in purposes which can have only one culmination–the end of freedom and the peace of death.”
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.
