B’nai B’rith International announced yesterday that “in response to Spain’s recent warm welcoming of the leader of a terrorist organization, ” It would not participate in a 10-day all-expenses paid tour of the Spanish Jewish community being sponsored by Spain’s National Tourist Office later this month. The tourist office recently invited editors of American Jewish publications for the guided tour of Spain’s Jewish community beginning Oct. 18.
Dr. Daniel Thursz, executive vice president of B’nai B’rith, who made the announcement, said “Spain is unique among Western governments in giving an effusive welcome to the leader of the PLO . . . . The Spanish Prime Minister’s enthusiastic reception of Yasir Arafat last month exceeded the bounds of protocol and propriety, and was surely repugnant to all who abhor the growing terrorism around the world. There is far too much bloodshed being caused by terrorists these days for any responsible government to lend its prestige to a group that has taken a leading role in fostering worldwide terrorism. “
Thursz added: “We empathize with the Spanish people. But as long as the government of Spain countenances a terrorist organization, we will not participate in a program conducted by the Spanish government. “
CORRECTION: In the Oct. 5 Bulletin article dealing with Jewish House members supporting issues of concern to Black and lower-income persons, the names of two members were inadvertently omitted in the section recording the number of Blacks in their district’s population first, and the percentage of support for these issues second. The two are Daniel Glickman (D. Kan.) 7% and 39%; and Gladys Spellman (D. Md.) 16% and 67%.
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.
