An official of the American Zionist Federation called today for the vigilance of the American Jewish community as the Middle East peace talks progress. Rabbi Israel Miller, president of the AZF, said that while it is not possible to predict the outcome of the new round of talks under the auspices of Ambassador Gunnar V. Jarring, “much will depend on whether the Soviet Union feels that it has already achieved its goals in the Middle East and whether the Arabs have finally reconciled themselves to Israel’s existence and are prepared to live with a sovereign Israel in which its Jewish character is assured.” Rabbi Miller’s views were contained in a memorandum sent by AZF to 3100 Zionist and Jewish community leaders in 315 communities throughout the country in which the AZF reviewed the three years of efforts by Israel to reach a negotiated peace with the Arabs under Dr. Jarring’s auspices.
In an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency covering a wide range of subjects, Rabbi Miller stated that, “While the U.S. has given Israel economic and military assistance, the political differences between the two countries are real and it will take time and patience to work out these differences satisfactorily.” Questioned about what could be expected of President Nixon on the matter of political support for Israel to help her achieve the kind of peace she seeks, Rabbi Miller replied: “While there will be some problems with the administration for a while on the political issues, ultimately Nixon will act in a positive fashion because he possesses a basic instinct for what is right.” Rabbi Miller said that Nixon will “sense that an Israel living within secure and agreed upon boundaries at peace with her neighbors is the right objective: It is right for Israel, right for America, right for world peace, and in the best interests of the Arabs themselves.” Although Rabbi Miller said he felt Nixon will “move accordingly when the chips are down,” he stressed that it is “important that Nixon knows he has the backing of the American people on this issue.” The AZF leader also praised Israel Premier Golda Meir and said that her qualities would serve Israel in good stead during the difficult weeks ahead.
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.
