Eight top level American Jewish leaders met with Premier Menachem Begin for one hour yesterday to discuss measures to improve Israel’s image in the United States. Because the meeting was relatively brief, they are scheduled to hold another, presumably longer session with the Premier tomorrow.
The group, which arrived Sunday for a five day visit, rejected news reports that they had come to criticize Begin’s policies and urge him to soften his positions in the interests of peace. They also denied that they expressed views contrary to those of other American Jewish leaders. They insisted that Jewish ranks were united in
Begin reportedly agreed that Israel’s image has deteriorated in American public opinion. His visitors were said to have expressed their support for his policies and offered suggestions for an improved Israeli information campaign overseas. Begin acknowledged that improvements were necessary.
Members of the group included Howard Squadron, president of the American Jewish Congress; Naomi Levine, executive director of the AJCongress; Richard Maass, president of the American Jewish Committee; Bertram M. Gold, AJCommittee executive vice-president; Burton Joseph, chairman of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith;
Members of the group told reporters that the decline of Israel’s image in the U.S. was due partly to the growing influence of Arab petrodollars. One of them reportedly alleged that the Carter Administration may have inspired recent anti-Israel moves in the U.S.
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