Jewish Community Urged to Channel All Aid to Soviet Jewry Through UJA

The American Jewish community was urged today to channel all aid to Soviet Jewry through the United Jewish Appeal. The call was issued by the Committee on Control and Authorization of Campaigns of the World Zionist Organization in a statement by its co-chairmen, Mrs. Charlotte Jacobson and Jack Weiler. The Committee, co-ordinated by the World Zionist Organization-American Section, comprises the leadership of the UJA, the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, the United Israel Appeal and the WZO-American Section.

Pointing out that “the needs of Soviet Jewry, including their efforts to leave Russia, and requirements while in transit to Israel and other countries, are being provided for by the agencies supported by the UJA and JWFs throughout the country in their campaigns in behalf of Israel and overseas needs.” the statement “warned against minor diversionary fund-raising efforts that might cause confusion and thus do damage to the cause of the Russian Jews whom we seek to help.”

Declaring that the needs of Russian Jews on arrival in Israel and elsewhere are being provided by UJA agencies the statement unequivocally said: “The considerable sums which are required can be mobilized only by the United Jewish Appeal as the central, humanitarian agency of American Jewry for overseas needs. United Jewish Appeal agencies spare no effort in bringing relief and facilities for rescue of Soviet Jews who are able to leave the Soviet Union, and for their absorption in Israel and elsewhere. In order to assist Soviet Jewry, all Jews should channel their aid through the United Jewish Appeal.”