Klutznick, at South African Parley. Says Jews Share World’s Problems

Calls for positive action for peace, the abolition of race barriers and the defense of freedom of thought keynoted the plenary session of the Diamond Jubilee Congress of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies which closed here last night. The theme of the Congress was “The Jew in the World Today,” a subject discussed by Philip M. Klutznick of Chicago, president of the World Jewish Congress.

He made it clear that Jews shared fully in the problems of the world and were not isolated from them by reason of being Jewish. He urged the present generation to take the lead toward ending the arms race and achieving peace. National leaders do not provide the answer. The ordinary people must forget their limitations and act in such a way as to achieve immortality, he said.

Dr. Arthur Suzman, chairman of the Board of Deputy’s public relations committee, deplored divisions in South Africa along the lines of color, culture and language. He said the state could make use of legislation and education to remove the divisions between groups. He praised legislation already adopted, such as the Second General Law Amendment Act of 1974 that made it an offense to cause, encourage or foment hostility between population groups.

He also referred to the Publications Act of 1974 which bans any material that could offend the religious convictions of any population group or bring it into ridicule or contempt. As far as enlightenment is concerned, Suzman said, the first aim must be to restore individual moral responsibility which has been debased by group action. Children in particular should be taught to recognize group prejudice and its insidious processes, he said.

IDENTIFICATION WITH COUNTRY URGED

State President Dr. Nico Diederich, who addressed a banquet marking the 75th anniversary of the Jewish Board of Deputies, observed, “We are not a perfect nation, but show me a nation that should cast the first stone. I believe in these days of danger there is an underlying unity among us, more than in the past. We, as South Africans, both Black and white, recognize that there are differences between us, but God willing, there is unity between us,” he said.

David Mann, president of the Jewish Board of Deputies, said that Jews in South Africa must identify themselves with the country. He urged Jewish businessmen to support the Urban Foundations recommendations far better facilities in the townships, especially in housing, education and job opportunities. “There is a great deal of good will between population groups in this country and we must ensure that there is peace, security and progress for all inhabitants of South Africa,” he said.

Dr. Piet Cillie, of Stellenbosch University, former editor of Die Burger, warned of the threats of Soviet imperialism and other forces to South Africa and the world.