The presidents of 17 major American Jewish organizations called upon the United States today to “use the full weight of its influence and authority in order to bring about an end to Egypt’s proclaimed policy of belligerency, and immediately to ensure exclusive United Nations control of Gaza and freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Akaba and the Suez Canal. “
“Our Government’s behavior on this issue will be regarded as a yardstick by all nations of the of the free world whose future is linked to their faith in America and its pledges,” they declared. “It is clear that Israel’s withdrawal (from the Sinai Peninsula) was brought about by the assurances given to her by our country- -the most solemn assurances carrying the seal of the President of the United States. “
The statement expressed distress over “the amazing spectacle of the free world, capitulating before the bluff and bluster” of Colonel Nasser. They warned against the restoration of conditions under which Israel “in its legitimate quest for security and defense ” might again “be driven to desperation by the failure of the United States and the United Nations to act resolutely.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.