The American Jewish Congress has expressed gratification that the New York City Council Against Poverty had agreed to re-schedule poverty hearings originally set for the Jewish Sabbath. In a letter to James E. Greenidge, director of the Poverty Council, the Congress had noted that the hearings of appeals on allocations set for two consecutive Saturdays–July 11 and 18–would work hardship on Jewish Sabbath observers who would be unable to attend. In a reply to Herman Brown, director of the American Jewish Congress’ Metropolitan Council, Mr. Greenidge called the Saturday dates “a procedural error” necessitating the re-scheduling of the poverty hearings, and said that “consideration will be given to the issue you raise concerning Sabbath observers.” The Council Against Poverty, of which David J. Billings III is chairman, also issued a memorandum to its members, chairmen and directors of delegate agencies and community corporations asking them to disregard the dates as a “mistake in judgment.” New dates for appeals will be announced.
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