The American Jewish Congress opened its 1963 campaign tonight with an address by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stressing the unity of Negro and Jewish efforts to attain equality. Robert Wechsler, campaign chairman, said the theme of this year’s annual drive was “to strengthen Jewish life and advance the frontiers of freedom for every American.”
The Congress conducts an independent fund-raising drive in the New York metropolitan area. Outside of New York it is supported by grants from 300 local Jewish welfare funds and federations. No goal for 1963 was announced by the Congress.
In his address, Dr. King underscored the “centuries-long common struggle of Negroes and Jews, not only to rid our selves of bondage but to make oppression of any people by others an impossibility. ” He praised the American Jewish Congress as an organization “whose understanding of the major social problem of our age has been boldly expressed and resolutely supported by deeds and action.”
Other speakers at the opening dinner included Dr. Joachim Prinz, AJC president; Shad Polier, Governing Council chairman; and Sidney Hollander of Baltimore, a national vice-president of the Congress and former president of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds.
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