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News Brief

January 11, 1961
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ZIONIST CONGRESS VOICES CONCERN OVER ‘COLD WAR’ ; SUPPORTS DISARMAMENT

The Congress has meanwhile adopted during the day all its major resolutions on Jewish and world affairs. In one of its resolutions, the Congress emphasized that it “views with concern the spreading of the cold war, and regards general disarmament as one of the principal means of reducing international tension.”

The delegates also declared that the aim of a “certain Arab ruler”– presumed to be a reference to President Nasser of the United Arab Republic–tc “wipe Israel off the map” was encouraged by the cold war which has led to a “steady and unlimited” flow of arms to the Arab states.

The delegates expressed their support of the aspirations of all peoples of the world to a life of peace and brotherhood and for the right of the State of Israel to dwell safely in its region as a member of the family of nations on an equal footing with all nations.

The delegates denounced Arab “blackmail” and interference with the economic relations of Israel with other nations and asserted that these activities were designed along “Nazi lines and bear the imprint of racial discrimination.” Such activities, the delegates said, were directed against the Jewish people as a whole.

EXPRESSES ANXIETY OVER ANTI-SEMITISM IN GERMANY; APPEALS TO RUSSIA

The Congress also adopted a resolution expressing anxiety over the “frequency of anti-Semitic outbreaks of a definitely Nazi character, especially in Germany, ” and appealed to the Governments of the affected countries to take speedy preventive measures.

In another resolution, the delegates appealed to the Soviet Government to ensure to Russian Jews all the necessary conditions for a normal religious life. The delegates extended fraternal greetings to Soviet Jews and “proudly notes their loyalty to Jewish traditions.”

The resolution expressed “deep anxiety” about the future of Soviet Jewry as a distinct national religious entity. The Soviet Government also was called on to recognize the right of Russian Jews to a national, religious and culturel Jewish life and the right of emigration.

In another resolution the delegates condemned the severance by Morocco of postal communications with Israel, “thus preventing normal contact between members of families.” The resolution called the severance an act counter to basic humanitarian principles. Freedom of immigration from Morocco for Moroccan Jews also was urged.

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