Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Canadian Jewish Leaders to Confer with Prime Minister Pearson

October 13, 1964
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The Canadian Jewish community’s mounting concern over the distribution of anti-Semitic hate literature and other racial, religious and ethnic incitement activities will be a principal subject of discussion when Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and members of his Cabinet meet next week with a delegation representing the Canadian Jewish Congress and the United Zionist Council.

The meeting between the Government leaders and the spokesmen of the Jewish community is an annual affair and usually precedes the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, The Canadian Jewish Chronicle reported that a number of questions likely to arise at the United Nations will be on the agenda of the Ottawa meeting. Among subjects for discussion with Mr. Pearson and his associates will be Arab threats to Israel over its water project; expiration of the West German statute of limitations on war crimes, and the difficulties interposed in the emigration of the remaining Jews of Iraq.

With regard to concern by Canadian Jews over racist activity, the Canadian Government has been studying the possibility of bringing some of the know malefactors to trial as a test case under existing legislation. This, however, does not satisfy Jewish leaders who are convinced that existing law is inadequate to halt racist activities.

According to the Canadian Jewish Chronicle, the Canadian Jewish Congress will seek the cooperation of other organizations in obtaining government action if the meeting with the Prime Minister fails to move the government to enact the needed legislation.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement