Records of American Jewish Life to Be Gathered at Hebrew University

A Records Center of American Jewish Life and Institutions at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was initiated today by Dr. Moshe Davis, head of the Institute of Contemporary Jewry of the Hebrew University. He stressed Israel’s need for documentary material on American Jewry in a report presented at a meeting of presidents and executive directors of national American Jewish organizations and institutions. The conference was held at the national headquarters of the American Friends of the Hebrew University.

Daniel G. Ross, chairman of the board of the American Friends of the Hebrew University, presided at the meeting. Mr. Ross, together with Philip M. Klutznick, president of the AFHU had taken the initiative to establish the Institute of Contemporary Jewry. He described the Institute as “a striking manifestation of the Hebrew University’s aim to serve not only the people of Israel, but to be the University of the Jewish People.”

Dr. Davis pointed out that “for the first time in Israel’s history accredited courses on Jewish life in America are being taught.” The students at the Institute hold a B.A. degree and are pursuing their studies toward graduate degrees in history, sociology, demography, education, modern Hebrew and Yiddish literature, and allied fields. Dr. Davis stressed that the students are nearly all Israel-educated and that “for many of them these courses in Contemporary Jewry represent a first contact with the life and institutions of Western–and especially American–Jews. Their enthusiasm and the avid interest of the Israel community at large augur well for the future.”

At the same time, Dr. Davis stated, “there is a great lack in Israel of primary source material on American Jewish life and institutions. Without basic documentary sources, it is impossible to conduct graduate courses properly. Although secondary sources and periodicals are important, they are inadequate by themselves.” The establishment of the Records Center will serve to remedy this situation. Dr. Davis said. He requested the cooperation of American Jewish leaders in its development. The Records Center would include the reports and self-study documents of Jewish organizations and institutions in the United States.