Canadian Jewish Congress Opposes Teaching Religion in Public Schools

The Canadian Jewish Congress concluded its convention here today with the adoption of a resolution opposing the introduction of religious education in Canadian public schools. Samuel Bronfman was re-elected national president of the organization.

The CJC resolution against religion in the public school system deplored the fact that religious education has been introduced into the curriculum of public schools in certain provinces. This practice is prejudicial and violates democratic tradition of separation of church and state, the resolution stressed. The convention also adopted a resolution reaffirming the devotion of Canadian Jewry to Israel and calling upon every Jew in Canada to continue to aid Israel in every possible way.

Areport showing that anti-Semitism has decreased in the Province of Quebec and elsewhere in Canada was submitted to the plenary session of the Canadian Jewish Congress by Fred Catzman of the joint public relations committee of the Congress and B’nai B’rith. Even the “lunatic fringe” publications, Mr. Catzman reported, “do not dwell much on Jews.” He asserted that “the militant actions” of Canadian groups are destroying “the vestiges of anti-Semitism.”