‘appeasement’ No Answer to Jewish Problem, Kaplan Tells Pittsburgh Parley

Present day anti-Semitism is not an end in itself but an instrument towards total destruction of democracy, Professor Mordecai M. Kaplan told 600 delegates tonight at the opening session of the National Conference of Jewish Social Welfare. Other speakers were Alexander M. Dushkin, Smauel C.Kohs and Ezekial J. Londow of Washington, D.C. Dr. John Slawson presided and Charles J. Rosenbloom welcomed the delegates. “Present day anti-Semitism is infinitely more terroristic than it ever was in the past because it has become part of a new technique in world revolution which is bent upon destroying democracy, “Prof. Kaplan said. “Organizers of that revolution have discovered that by creating a Jewish bogey and representing democracy as dominated by that bogey, they can rally unthinkin masses to their cause.”

Dr. Kaplan pointed out that elimination by Jews of their Jewish religious and cultural heritage would not appease this group.

“Events have proved that appeasement is as tragic a mistake in dealing with anti-Semitism as in dealing with Nazism,” he said. “The only self-respecting and dignified answer of the Jews to the challenge of anti-Semitism is creative survival. Their main energy should be devoted to the cultivation of that spiritual heritage which so enriched American life in the beginnings of our history as a separate nation and which contributed so much to formulating American democracy.

“By rendering Jewish life fruitful of new cultural, ethical and religious values we would augment its effectiveness as a force for democracy and civilization.”

The conference is being held at the William Penn Hotel in conjunction with meetings of the National Association of Jewish Center Workers and the National Council for Jewish Education.