Mrs. Jacobson Challenges Report of Clash over Jackson Amendment

Mrs. Charlotte Jacobson described as “inaccurate” and “certainly not based on first-hand information” a magazine report in the U.S. that two key Senate supporters of the Jackson Amendment had clashed with American Jewish leaders. Mrs. Jacobson, chairman of the World Zionist Organization-American Section said she was amazed at the story published earlier this week in “The Times of Israel.” The American periodical which specializes in news of Israel and Jewish interest, claimed that Sens. Henry M. Jackson (D.Wash.) and Abraham Ribicoff (D.Conn.) had accused American Jewish leaders of inaction for Soviet Jews because of Nixon Administration pressure.

(The “Times of Israel” report was ridiculed by knowledgeable sources in Washington yesterday. The sources said that the American Jewish leadership remained steadfast in its support of the Jackson Amendment that would condition U.S. trade benefits for the Soviet Union on a relaxation of its emigration restrictions. The sources conceded, however, that “a very few” figures prominent in the American Jewish community had indicated a desire to water down the Jackson Amendment.)

Mrs. Jacobson noted that American Jewish leaders met frequently with Sen. Jackson to evaluate the progress of his amendment. “Our activities are based on only one goal and that is to help Soviet Jewry,” she said. “It is our responsibility to pursue every course with both the U.S. Congress and the Administration.” She noted that thousands of cables were sent to Moscow during President Nixon’s visit there urging him to intervene on behalf of Soviet Jews. Referring to “The Times of Israel” story, Mrs. Jacobson said, “Such articles and misstatements can only divide the Jewish community and certainly will not save the Russian Jews.”