Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Anti-semitism Has Penetrated “respectable” Circles, Joint Defense Appeal Parley Hears

September 9, 1947
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Although organized anti-Semitism has declined somewhat in the United States, anti-Jewish prejudice has won a following among “respectable” sections of the community which previously were relatively free of bias, the national executive committee of the Joint Defense Appeal was warned this week-end by John Slawson, executive vice-president of the American Jewish Committee, and Benjamin Epstein, acting national director of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation League.

Both civic defense leaders stressed the many hidden forms of prejudice, which currently find expression in job bias, educational quotas and housing restriction. They declared that American Jews cannot relax the fight against discrimination, pointing out that among other factors, the relief efforts for Jews abroad depend on the existence of a strong and secure American Jewish community. Other speakers included Donald Oberdorfer, national chairman of the JDA, Charles W. Morris, chairman of the JDA’s national council, and Edmund Waterman, treasurer.

The committee announced that the second national conference of the JDA, which is the fund-raising agency for the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation league, will be held in Philadelphia on Jan. 10-12.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement