The number of U.S. Congressmen or Jewish faith was increased to twelve by the election of Seymour Halpern, New York Republican, according to a study of election results.
A number of Jews, representing both parties, were defeated in various states. In one race, a Jewish candidate was victimized by propaganda that stressed his origin and background. This was the case of H.S. May, a former rabbi, who was defeated by Republican Craig Hosmer in California.
The most striking victory of a political personage of Jewish faith in recent years was won by Abraham Ribicoff. He was re-elected Governor of Connecticut with the largest plurality in the State’s history.
Jews re-elected to the House, all Democrats, were Representatives Emanuel Celler, Lester Holtzman, Abraham J. Multer, Leonard Farbstein, Ludwig Teller, Herbert Zelenko, and Isidore Dollinger, all of New York; Sidney Yates, Illinois, and Samuel N. Friede, Maryland.
Continuing in office were two Senators of Jewish faith, Jacob K. Javits, New York Republican, and Richard L. Neuberger, Oregon Democrat. Neither was up for reelection this year.
When Alaska votes on November 25, It is considered likely that a Jew, Ernest that would increase the number of members of Jewish faith in Congress to thirteen. Gruening served for many years as Governor of the Territory of Alaska.
In New York, Louis J. Lefkowitz, Republican, was re-elected Attorney General, Arthur Levitt, Democrat, apparently won re-election as Controller.
In California, Judge Stanley Mosk, a Democrat, former president of the Los Angeles Jewish Community Council, was elected Attorney General.
A general evaluation of the election results indicated broadly that bi-partisan support in Congress for Israel would continue unchanged. In many cases. Individuals friendly to Israel contested against each other. Hugh Scott, newly-elected Republican Senator from Pennsylvania, is known for his leadership of an informal group of Republican House members that sought U.S. arms aid for Israel.
Kenneth Keating, Republican House member elected Senator by New York State, has for many years voiced support of Israel. Because of concern over anti-Jewish bombings in the South, Senator-Elect Keating and Senator Javits will leave in a few days for a trip to Atlanta, Ga. Birmingham, Ala., and Jacksonville, Fla. They will seek information in order to prepare a fight for federal legislation to crack down on elements bombing synagogues, churches, and schools.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
