A call for strong federal legislation against the Arab boycott was made by Albert Schlossberg, president of the Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan Boston and Maurice Zilber, chairman of the Council’s subcommittee on the Arab boycott, in testimony presented to the New England Regional Hearings of the Democratic National Party Platform last week.
“Our moral argument is clear.” the testimony states. “It is in keeping with traditional American values, ideals and law to prevent discrimination against American citizens, because of their race, religion, say on national origin.
“A strong moral and legal posture against the Arab boycott will not harm American business. We should acknowledge the fact that Arab governments and businesses are pragmatic. Recent evidence shows us that in economic decisions where the Arabs are caught between their ideological hatred for Israel and their practical desire to improve the economics of their countries. they choose what is economically beneficial to them. The Arab countries have increasingly turned to the United States for their purchases of military weapons, technical knowledge and skill. Our products and know-how are too valuable for the Arabs to discard.
The testimony called attention to the anti-Arab boycott laws adopted in several states and noted the pending legislation in Massachusetts. “The Jewish Community Council is pleased that so many states have acted to deal with this problem by legislation.” the Council stated. “However, there is a clear need for a national unified code.”
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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.
