An appeal to the United Nations “to go to the aid of the Jews in Europe” was voiced here today at the 54th annual convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis in the opening address by Dr. James G. Heller of Cincinnati, president.
Dr. Heller also demanded the abrogation of the White Paper which provides for the closing of Palestine to Jewish immigrants next year. He recommended that the rabbis ratify affiliation to the American Jewish Conference, and urged approval of a plan for the establishment of pensions for members of the Central Conference.
Discussing the divergent views which led to the formation of the American Council for Judaism, Dr. Heller said that “at a time when Jewish unity is imperative, when we must school ourselves to estimate differences of opinion at their true importance, some of us have chosen to precipitate an intestine conflict and to persist in it in spite of reiterated appeals to desist.” Speaking specifically on the subject of Zionism and the difference of opinion on the question, he stated “Important as is the place of Palestine in Jewish life today, and as it will be tomorrow, it does not outweigh all the host of other concerns and tasks that are ours as rabbis.” After going further into the pros and cons of the Zionism question, Dr. Heller said that it is the duty of the Central Conference to face the situation that has been created, and at this Convention to take some stand.
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