Ben-gurion’s Views on Future of U.S. Jewry Refuted at Zionist Parley

Rabbi Philip S. Bernstein, chairman of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, today took sharp issue with Israel Premier David Ben-Gurion in a statement rebutting Mr. Ben-Gurion’s assessment of the vitality and future of American Judaism. He also disagreed with the Ben-Gurion view that American Zionists were obligated to settle in Israel. He made the statement at the organization’s annual conference on American Near Eastern policy here.

Rabbi Bernstein maintained in his statement that Mr. Ben-Gurion was in error about the status of American Judaism because it “has never been in a healthier state than it is at the present time. Synagogues have the largest memberships, the religious schools are over-crowded; there is better adult education and more cultural activity than in the entire history of American Jewry. The synagogue has again become, after a period of bumbling competition with Jewish philanthropies, welfare agencies and community centers, the primary agency of the Jewish community.”

However, the rabbi characterized “the quality” of Jewish Religious life in America as “another matter.” He said: “Who can measure spirituality, especially in a materialistic society? There is more intermarriage. But most intermarriages in which Jews are involved lead to Jewish identification.”

Rabbi Bernstein told the conference that “American Jews love and will help Israel but intend to remain here, except for individuals who will go there to make special contributions.” He also pointed out that “American Jewry–Zionist and non-Zionist, but pro-Israel–has a crucial responsibility not only to help Israel financially but to protect it from those who would destroy it.”