So. African Board of Jewish Deputies Clarifies Stand Toward W.j.c.

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies, central representative body of South Africa’s Jewish community, today issued a statement clarifying its relations with the World Jewish Congress. The statement makes it clear that the Board of Deputies has not joined the World Jewish Congress but has merely entered into a limited agreement for the exchange of information and mutual consultation.

The Board of Deputies expresses satisfaction with the agreement reached. At the same time it emphasizes that it still remains a member of the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations, in which it is partnered with the Board of Jewish Deputies of Great Britain and the B’nai B’rith in the United States. The statement reads;

“The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has learned with pleasure of the acceptance by the World Jewish Congress executive of the proposals put to it by the Board in regard to the future relations between the two bodies.

“While the Board does not enter into membership of the Congress, the ratification of the agreement will, it is believed, be a further practical step towards the cause of Jewish unity which the South African Board has always espoused, and will also strengthen the existing association between the South African Board and the Congress.

“The interchange of appropriate material by both bodies on matters within their purview will, undoubtedly, prove of great benefit to us. The right of the Board to be represented at Congress executive meetings in a consultative capacity is also greatly appreciated. In all matters affecting world Jewry and Jewish problems abroad, the South African Board will be happy to confer with the Congress with a view to reaching a common policy, but it is understood that the Board retains its complete autonomy and freedom of action.

“The arrangement with the World Jewish Congress appertains only to those activities of the latter falling outside the purview of the United Nations. The South African Board continues its association with the B’nai B’rith of the U.S.A. and the Board of Deputies of British Jews in the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations which enjoys consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.”