News Brief

Avraham Harman, member of the Agency executive, disputed the view that Jewry’s assistance to Israel was mere philanthropy. He noted there was no historic parallel for the United Jewish Appeal and its accomplishments which included, he insisted, helping change the course of Jewish history. The Zionist movement must remind the world that there is a Jewish problem and its only possible solution is immigration to Israel. He estimated that the minimum emigration needs of the Jews–and of the world, too–require the transfer of 600,000 Jews to Israel.

DR. GOLDMANN SEES GREAT FUTURE FOR THE ZIONIST MOVEMENT

While Dr. Goldmann, in his reply, agreed with a number of speakers on the vital importance of the communities abroad for the Zionist movement, he held that “unfortunately we are limited by the overwhelming necessity of our tasks to Israel.” Expanding work abroad means a reduction of activities in behalf of Israel, he stated.

Replying to criticism that he was pessimistic in outlook, Dr. Goldmann declared it was the duty of a leader to tell the truth, not to encourage illusions and unjustified hopes He would not be doing his duty, he continued, if he did not warn the movement of the difficulties and dangers it faces, of its tremendous tasks. If he had not believed in the possibilities of a great future for the movement, he underscored, he would not have accepted its presidency. He will give up the Zionist movement the moment he becomes convinced his hopes are unjustified, the president of the WZO said.

Jacques Torczyner, leader of the Zionist Organization of America, called the establishment of closer bonds between Israel and world Jewry a “must” and urged dissemination of Hebrew culture throughout “every corner of the Jewish world.” Mrs. Bert Goldstein of the Pioneer Women Organization asserted that while the Zionist party system was not in keeping with the spirit of American Jews, she did feel it assured the rights of various groups within the movement.

Rabbi Mordecai Kirschblum, American leader of the United Religious Party, declared that Jewish survival was due to a partnership between the Jewish nation and tradition, between the nation and its past, between Israel and the communities abroad. If a partnership between the Jewish State and the communities abroad is desired, he continued, “a return to tradition is a must.” He also pointed to the United States as a broad field of activity for the Zionist movement.