Greater Jewish unity in America and stronger action in combatting anti-Jewish discrimination in employment in the United States were urged today by Alfred M. Cohen, international president of B’nai B’rith, addressing the opening session of the fourteenth quinquennial B’nai B’rith convention.
The convention opened at the Willard Hotel and will continue through May 8.
In his presidential message today, Mr. Cohen emphasized that he is opposed to the convocation of a World Jewish Congress.
SEEKS UNION OF AGENCIES
Praising the activities of the Anti-Defamation League which is combating anti-Semitism in America, Mr. Cohen announced that he will continue efforts to unite the American Jewish Committee and the American Jewish Congress in their activities for the benefit of American Jewry.
Mr. Cohen emphasized that many Jewish employers in America are among those who refuse to employ Jewish help. He urged that the B’nai B’rith renew the undertaking it originated to bring together all Jewish bodies interested in combatting anti-Semitism in employment “in order to stem a tide which threatens to overwhelm the Jew economically.”
REVIEWS REICH SITUATION
Reviewing the Jewish situation in Germany and in other European countries, Mr. Cohen emphasized that the B’nai B’rith has done much to help European Jewry. He explained Hitler’s coming to power as “the outgrowth of a long continued world wide depression.” He especially recommended support of the good will movement sponsored by the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America and by the National Conference of Jews and Christians.
“The politician and the policeman will not solve the Jewish problem,” he said, “but the preacher and the teacher may. It is from recognition of these basic condi-
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.