Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

California Rabbis Urge U.N. to Act Against South African Government

May 20, 1960
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Application of "effective sanctions", by the United Nations against South Africa to force an end to "its policy of savagery" in the treatment of non-whites was urged today by the Board of Rabbis of Northern California. The proposal was embodied in a series of resolutions announced by Rabbi Joseph Gitin of San Jose, president of the board.

Declaring that "people of all faiths, particularly our own," must recognize "our religious responsibility in South Africa," the rabbis said: "We Jews will remember the lack of moral action and initiative when our co-religionists and others were herded into concentration camps. We pledge that we shall not be guilty of indifference to the ordeal of the colored peoples of the world."

The rabbis also extended support to "the organized non-violent demonstrations, such as the sit-in strikes" conducted by Negro college students in Southern cities in the United States." as a constructive method of arousing the conscience of the American people to recognize the rights and dignity of the individual."

Commendation was extended in another resolution to "those Southern communities which have recognized the unfair and undemocratic character of segregation of the races and which are cooperating in the process of desegregation."

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement