American Jewish Committee Urges Five-point Approach to Middle East

The American Jewish Committee concluded today its five-day 50th anniversary observance with the adoption of a resolution urging the following five-point approach to the Middle East crisis:

1. An independent and adequate United Nations Emergency Force must remain in the Gaza Strip as long as necessary to guarantee that no raids or counter-raids, retaliation or counter-retaliation are undertaken.

2. The United Nations Emergency Force must remain as long as it is needed to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Tiran and the Gulf of Akaba.

3. Israel must be given equality of rights with all other nations with regard to freedom of navigation in the Suez Canal.

4. Regional plans should be devised to improve economic conditions within the nations in the area and to encourage economic cooperation among those nations.

5. Without awaiting a general settlement of all pending issues, immediate efforts should be made to encourage and implement plans for humane solutions of the Arab refugee problem.

In another resolution, the American Jewish Committee expressed “its disappointment and distress that our government has acquiesced to the policy of discrimination of the government of Saudi Arabia in excluding American soldiers and workers of the Jewish faith from United States installations in that country.” The Committee urged the United States Government “to seek the abandonment of this affront to our country and its citizens.”

The AJC called upon the government of the United States “to intervene with the Egyptian Government to put an immediate end to its persecution of Jews.” It pointed out in a resolution that by mid-March of this year some 20,000 Jews were forced to leave Egypt and seek refuge in other lands. This expulsion, the Committee said, is continuing and “the indications are that the Jews who still remain will also become refugees. dependent on the aid of other countries and of charitable organizations.”

Irving M. Engel, who was re-elected AJC president for the fourth term, announced that a total of $675,000 has been raised by the National Development Program for the AJC Institute of Human Relations. The Institute will be housed in a modern eight-story building, and will also be the headquarters of the American Jewish Committee. The development program seeks $1,500,000 from private sources to cover the cost of the land and the building.

Addressing the 1,400 leaders from 600 communities who attended the AJC Half-Century Banquet last night, Mr. Engel referred to the principles laid down by the founders of the American Jewish Committee 50 years ago. “Now, 50 years later,” he said, “we are commanded by the possibility that within our lifetime the principle of human equality shall be woven not only into the laws of nations but into the hearts and minds of people everywhere.”

Jacob Blaustein, honorary president of the American Jewish Committee, cited “conquest of prejudice, victory over Communism, and the establishment of a new moral order” as the three major challenges confronting mankind today. Mr. Blaustein, who was chairman of the 50th anniversary planning committee pledged that the American Jewish Committee would undertake these tasks by helping to “liberate ourselves and our fellow-men from the hate-filled scourges of past millennia so that future generations may enjoy the blessings of peace and the fruits of equality.”

Sherman Adams, assistant to President Eisenhower, who was the principal speaker at the banquet, underscored the importance of eliminating bigotry. He brought with him a message from the President praising the American Jewish Committee as a “champion of liberty.” Another speaker was Israel Ambassador Abba Eban.