Conservative Movement in Judaism Moves Toward Affiliation with WZO

The Conservative movement in Judaism moved today toward formal affiliation with the World Zionist Organization “as a repudiation of the UN resolution equating Zionism with racism.” It was disclosed here at the biennial convention of the United Synagogue of America, the congregational arm of Conservative Judaism representing more than 1.5 million Jews in 830 affiliated synagogues in the United States and Canada.

Declaring that “Zionism is Judaism and Judaism is Zionism.” Arthur J. Levine, president of the United Synagogue of America, said that affiliation would be effected through the World Council of Synagogues, the international organization of Conservative congregations which has its headquarters in Jerusalem. The Council’s president, Samuel Rothstein, disclosed that its board of directors has held a policy meeting here on affiliation with the WZO and will take final action in December.

AFFILIATION MOVE EXPLAINED

Rabbi Bernard Segal, executive vice-president of the United Synagogue of America, who disclosed the plans, explained why the Conservative movement had refrained from formal affiliation with the WZO since it was founded 60 years ago and why it was taking the step at this time.

Rabbi Segal said that since its inception in 1913 Conservative Judaism has been “unequivocally committed to Zionism and there has never been any room in its ranks for anti-Zionism. As a result,” he said, “we have over the years, repeatedly declined to seek formal affiliation with the WZO as a way of demonstrating that Zionism is an integral part of Judaism and thus affiliation was not necessary.” He continued. “The time has therefore arrived for the Conservative movement to identify itself formally with the WZO and thus reaffirm the indivisibility of the land of Israel and Judaism.”

A committee has been formed to negotiate affiliation with WZO officials of Dr. Gershon D. Cohen, Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America; Levine; Rabbi Mordecai Waxman, president of the Rabbinical Assembly, the rabbinical branch of Conservative Judaism; and rabbinical branch of Conservative Judaism; and Rothstein. Others who will participate are Mrs. M. Milton Perry, president of the Womens League for Conservative Judaism and Abraham A. Silver, president of the National Federation of Jewish Mens Clubs.