Argentine Jewry Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Its Settlement

With solemn and, at the same time, Joyous ceremonies. Argentina’s Jewry this week-end launched its country-wide celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first Jewish settlement in this country.

President Arturo Frondizi issued a special message congratulating the Jews of this country on their centennial celebration, and emphasizing Argentina’s gratification with the high place achieved by Jews here in all fields of endeavor. The President’s message was brought to the official anniversary convocation by Dr. Alfred Roque Vitolo, Minister of the Interior.

Others on the program, in the crowded Great Hall of the Buenos Aires Jewish Community headquarters, were Dr. Nahum Goldmann, world Jewish leader; Emilio Gutkin, president of the Buenos Aires Jewish Community; Gregorio Faingech, general secretary of the Jewish Community here; and Arych Levavi, Israel’s Ambassador to Argentina.

Lauding the attitude of the Argentine Government and people toward Jewry, and expressing his gratitude for that “happy encounter between two peoples, exceptionally enjoying mutual tolerance, respect and understanding, ” Dr. Goldmann spoke of the situation in some lands where, he said, “the Jews, unfortunately, have not yet been emancipated culturally and socially. “

Dr. Vitolo singled out for praise the early Jewish colonial settlers in this country who, he said, through “their hard work, laid the basis for Jewry’s integration into our national life, leading to outstanding Jewish contributions in literature, science and the democratic ways of political activity. “

Referring to last winter’s outbreak of anti-Semitic incidents, the Interior Minister declared: “Our people and government repudiated these incidents energetically, and immediately took steps to deal with these barbarities. We are solidly with you. Argentina opens its doors to Jewish immigrants. You enjoy sympathy and friendship.”