American Labor Zionists Urge U.S. to Promote Arab-israel Peace

A plea for the creation, inside and outside the United Nations, of a “compelling climate” for peace in the Middle East was addressed today to the Government of the United States in a resolution adopted by the Labor Zionist Organization of America at the concluding session here of its National Council.

The resolution points out that “so long as the Arab states persist in their posture of belligerency towards Israel, so long as hatred of Israel and avowals by Arab rulers of their intention to destroy it continue to charge the atmosphere, that region will remain a seething cauldron, a fertile area for Communist penetration and subversion, and the breeding-ground of war.”

The Labor Zionists urge the U.S. to take the initiative, “in consonance with and beyond” the Eisenhower Doctrine, to support democratic elements in the Middle East, curb the Egyptian-Syrian-Soviet attempt to extend their control over that crucial region, and challenge Nasser’s domination over the Suez Canal by upholding the right of all shipping, including that of Israel, to use this major waterway.

But above all, the Labor Zionists emphasized, the refusal of the Arab rulers to accept Israel’s repeated offers to meet for direct peace negotiations, “must not dissuade either our own government or the United Nations from constantly impressing upon the parties their obligations under the UN Charter and the armistice agreements to seek a peaceful settlement.”

More than 150 leaders of communities around the country participated in the two-day session. A highlight of the conclave was a testimonial given at the Biltmore Hotel in honor of five veterans of the movement who have been in its leadership for more than 50 years. Those honored were Professor Hayim Fineman of Philadelphia, Dr. Herman Seidel of Baltimore, Meyer L. Brown, Pinchas Cruso and Samuel Bonchek of New York. All were among the founders of the Labor Zionist movement and hold top offices in it today.