Opening the four-day national convention of the American Jewish Congress here tonight, Dr. David Petegorsky, A.J.C. executive director, excoriated those persons who, by raising the “false bogey of dual allegiance” are trying to frighten Jews “into frantic efforts to disassociate themselves from the Jewish community of Israel.” Dr. Petegorsky also called on American Jews to fulfill their “moral obligation of material support” to the building of Israel.
In a 20,000 word analysis of conditions in this country and abroad, Dr. Petegorsky told the 1,000 delegates that Americans have become much more conscious during the past two years of the fact that “racial and religious discrimination represents a serious impairment of American democracy and weakens our claims abroad to international leadership.” At the same time, he warned that “the prevailing fear of subversion, bred largely by the international tension, has already resulted in serious attacks on free speech, free association and the rights of political minorities.”
Though public support of measures to ban discrimination has grown, the report stated, “little progress has been made on the national level. The record of the 81st Congress in this field has proved to be as distinguished as that of its ignoble predecessor, the 80th.” Dr. Petegorsky, however, noted gains that had been achieved through state action, citing the passage of a fair educational practices act in Massachusetts, comprehensive civil rights measures in New Jersey and Connecticut, and fair employment practices acts in eight states.
In a discussion of the situation of Jews in other lands, Dr. Petegorsky stated that no international development presents such cause for alarm “as the resurgence of nationalism within Germany.” Citing the return of Nazis to key positions in German industry, education and public life, the director called for support of the A.J.C. demand for a Congressional investigation of the revival of pro-Nazism in Germany.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
