Jewish Groups Urge Senate Approval of U.s.–soviet Consular Pact

A number of Jewish organizations today urged the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to approve the pending American-Soviet consular treaty.

B’nai B’rith expressed support for ratification of the treaty “as a constructive step in advancing the cause of peace and mutual understanding.” In a letter to chairman J.W. Fulbright, B’nai B’rith president William A. Wexler said his organization views ratification as a means of broadening cooperation and reducing tensions. He added that the treaty might promote “the reforming of cultural and religious links between Jews in the West and their coreligionist in the Soviet Union.”

Another statement in support of the treaty was made by Rabbi Richard G. Hirsch, director of the Religious Action Center of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

“In addition to our concern as American citizens in easing cold war tensions,” Rabi Hirsch told the committee, “we have a special interest as Jews. The American Jewish community has been encouraging tourism to Russia as a means of establishing personal contact with our Jewish brethren there. The existence of additional American consulates would facilitate the travels of American citizens and enable us to have closer rapport with fellow Jews who are very much in need of spiritual succor and moral support.”

Similar sentiments voicing the feelings of the American Jewish community on this issue have also been expressed by other major Jewish organizations throughout the country.