40 Jewish Community Leaders Pledge Greater Gifts to UJA in 1974

Forty American Jewish community leaders unanimously committed themselves to greater gifts to the 1974 United Jewish Appeal at an earlier point in the campaign than ever before, Paul Zuckerman, UJA general chairman, announced today. The Jewish leaders, representing major U.S. communities, made their commitments during a private dinner meeting at the home of Israel Ambassador Simcha Dinitz here last night.

Their purpose, stated, Zuckerman, was to declare in a dramatic manner the urgency of humanitarian programs in Israel. These UJA-funded programs are designed to aid the continuing influx of Soviet Jewish immigrants and to help immigrants of earlier aliyas who have not been able to break the poverty barrier.

“I am delighted that the leaders of the American Jewish community have once more reaffirmed their unwavering support of the humanitarian programs in Israel which depend so heavily on the partnership of the Jews of the United States,” said Dinitz. He reported on the status of immigration to Israel and reviewed the social and economic situation in his country.

Zuckerman stated: “Even though we have just concluded another record-breaking campaign, the importance of the tasks we have committed ourselves to is so great, that we cannot relax. Jewish families need our help, and we must face the fact that the humanitarian programs we support must be funded in 1974. Every day new arrivals enter Israel. They have shown unbelievable courage and determination in getting out of the Soviet Union. They are seeking a life for themselves and their families as Jews, and in freedom. And they depend on us to make this possible.”

Zuckerman stated that the 1974 campaign must raise far more than the record human needs in Israel of the 1973 sum to meet the minimal budget of 25 other countries, and in Jewish communities throughout the U.S.