Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the World Jewish Congress, expressed satisfaction here today on the adoption by the Ecumenical Council of the statement absolving the Jews of guilt for the crucifixion of Jesus.
Addressing a press conference, Dr. Goldmann praised the document for its clear and unequivocal contents, and hailed the fact that a vote was finally taken on it. He also noted that the majority was such that one could hardly expect any significant amendments to the document when it comes to a final vote.
Dr. Goldmann said that he shared the view of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, of Boston, that it was not necessary for various Jewish groups and individuals to try to exert pressure in Rome on this matter, and that there was no room for a theological dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Jews. But this did not mean, he said, nor did Dr. Soloveitchik intend it to mean, that the political and practical aspects should not have been mentioned or discussed between responsible Jewish leaders and those responsible for Vatican policy.
The Jewish leader announced that he would be going to Bonn and Berlin toward the end of the month for meetings with West German Chancellor Ludwig Erhard and with other German leaders, including Belin Mayor Willy Brandt. He said he would discuss problems of indemnification and the statute of limitations for Nazi war criminals, and possibly also the question of West German scientists working on Egyptian arms development.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
