Support for Israel and praise for the American Zionist Federation were emphasized in messages yesterday to the AZF’s national convention from President Nixon and his Democratic Presidential opponent, Sen. George McGovern.
Nixon wrote: “I want to reassure you of the unwavering commitment of my administration to the security of the State of Israel and of our continuing concern for the well-being of its brave citizens….” Nixon also praised the AZF for its “efforts toward the building of peace among men and nations” and “warmly” commended the Zionist organization for its “constructive efforts to strengthen the special bonds between this country and Israel and to protect the spiritual and cultural continuity of the Jewish heritage.”
McGovern wrote: “I join you in your efforts to help the people of Israel achieve their aspirations for a life of dignity, of peace and hope for themselves and all the peoples of the Middle East….(The AZF) has already established a record of achievement in developing support and understanding for Israel.”
AZF president Rabbi Israel Miller said: “There are many of our fellow Jews who bemoan the fact that the Jewish vote has become a matter of prime concern to the candidates in the Presidential election and that they are vying with each other to prove their support for the security and future of Israel. Rather than shedding tears, we should rejoice at this turn of events. The candidates are placing Israel in a central position in their appeal to the Jewish voters because they realize that the well-being of Israel is central to the Jewish concern of the American Jewish community and because of America’s vital interests, central to the concern of the American community as a whole.”
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.
