An unprecedented nationwide effort to help its member communities collect millions of dollars in still outstanding pledges was launched by the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, Irving Kane Council president, announced today.
According to Mr. Kane, this unusual step was taken because cash is needed immediately to contend with an unforeseen rise in immigration to Israel–beyond all expectations and budgetary provision–and to deal with the mounting costs of services provided by the overseas, national, and local agencies included in the welfare funds and federations of the United States and Canada.
He added that the Council’s board decided to initiate this massive effort after consideration of the report of the Council’s overseas delegation, which recently returned from a survey of needs in Israel and Europe; and after a community-by-community analysis of the cash collection situation in relation to the funds required to meet federation and welfare fund responsibilities.
Mr. Kane, who headed the overseas delegation stated that the most immediate and practical form of help for the increased current needs is to provide the cash already pledged, He pointed also to the backlog of unmet needs for immigrants already in Israel, especially the 150 agricultural settlements which can be made self-supporting within the next two years.
“Vigorous support now will not only speed the day when they no longer will be drawing on American Jewish aid, but will be contributing positively to developing Israel into a productive, self-sufficient nation,” he declared. He also stressed the aid needed for the health-giving and life-saving work of the Joint Distribution Committee in Europe and North Africa.
Mr. Kane explained that the campaign machinery which the Council is now forging to help its 215 member federations and welfare funds raise the utmost possible cash during the next several weeks will stress especially contributors’ commitments for 1960 and prior years. By removing the backlog of accounts past due, not only will urgently needed income be realized focuses now, but it will pays the way for raising the greater sums required in 1962.
The CJFWF president strongly urged the Councils member communities to conduct this vital cash solicitation with the same efficiency, vigor and dedication with which they carry out their fund-raising drives, and pledged the complete cooperation of the officers, the members of the board and the staff of the CJFWF. This assistance will be adapted to the special differences and circumstances in each city. The best methods and techniques that communities have developed throughout the country will be brought to each city for such adaptation and use as may fit its needs, he emphasized.
The Council’s cash mobilization effort in the total context of federations and welfare funds will be coordinated closely with the assistance of the National United Jewish Appeal, which will receive the bulk share of these proceeds for its overseas requirements.
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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.
