The Canadian Jewish Congress today called on the Government of Canada to censure Soviet Russia now and at the United Nations for its anti-Semitic campaign both in the U.S.S.R. and its satellite countries.
A Congress deputation, headed by Samuel Bronfman, president, and Michael Garber, national vice-president, told Secretary of State for External Affairs Lester B. Pearson that “the grim news emanating from Russia suggests the possibility of a large-scale anti-Semitic program as part of state policy.”
The Congress delegation pointed out that there was abundant evidence in world history that Jews were the first in the ranks of victims but that the evil spread until it encompassed those of other faiths and beliefs whose way of life was a refutation of the ambitions of ruthless leaders.
The delegation asked the Canadian Government to alert all its agencies to obtain all the facts with regard to the Soviet anti-Jewish drive, so that Canada might be able continuously to assess them and be in a position to take pertinent action. The Jewish leaders also suggested that Canada take whatever action it can to give succor and assistance to those innocent victims of the Communist system who may be allowed to leave that orbit. They pointed out that insofar as the Jewish victims are concerned, Israel will be the principal country of immigration.
At the same time, a delegation representing the United Zionist Council of Canada and comprising Edward E. Gelber, president, and Prof. Maxwell Cohen, chairman of the public relations committee, discussed with Mr. Pearson a number of matters affecting the State of Israel.
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.
