Decisions on issues affecting every major aspect of Jewish life in Canada will be adopted at the 13th plenary session of the Canadian Jewish Congress which opens here tomorrow. Some 700 delegates from every Jewish community, large and small, across Canada will take part in this decisive national convention which will last four days.
Resolutions already submitted strongly indicate that “a great deal of controversy will be engendered about problems and issues of Jewish education, community relations and possibly even foreign affairs,” Congress officials said today. Other areas of community concern that are expected to evoke delegate interest include religious welfare, community services, immigration, overseas needs, fund-raising, youth, adult education, cultural activities, relationships with world Jewry and Israel.
One of the liveliest sessions at the convention is expected to be the “general debate” tomorrow, which will be led off by keynote speaker Saul Hayes, CJC executive vice-president, with an address on “New Needs and New Perspectives.” Close to two hours have been reserved out of this session for participation by delegates from the floor.
Expected to draw one of the largest attendances during the convention will be the banquet Thursday night, at which Governor General and Madame Vanier will be honored guests, with the former officially opening the plenary session, and Samuel Bronfman, retiring CJC president, giving the presidential address.
Election of a new president to succeed Mr. Bronfman, who announced two weeks ago he would not accept a nomination for re-election after nearly a quarter century’s service in the office, will take place Sunday morning.
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