The presidents of the three major American synagogue organizations have expressed “surprise” in a message to Rep. Harold H. Velde, chairman of the House Un-American Activities Committee, that he failed to consult with their organizations in his study of the workings of religious groups, in the course of the work of his committee. The telegram, made public here today, reads:
“We note with surprise your failure to communicate this desire (to consult with religious groups) to the recognized religious bodies of the Jewish community. We shall be glad to arrange, together with our coordinating body, the Synagogue Council of America, for the participation of representatives of Jewish religious groups in the proposed discussions with other major denominational bodies and your self.
“Religious groups are the greatest single force combatting Communism at home and abroad. It is our hope that such discussions will result in the establishment of practices and procedures which will protect our country from subversion and at the same time preserve American traditions of fair play and individual freedom.”
The message was signed by Dr. Maurice N. Eisendrath, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations; Maxwell Abbell, president of the United Synagogue of America; and Max J. Etra, president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations.
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.
