Charges Against American Jewish Congress Denied; Achievements Cited

Accusations that the American Jewish Congress had devoted itself “almost exclusively to non-Jewish affairs” and that it had “neglected all Jewish activities” were rejected at a press conference here today by Dr. Joachim Prinz, president of the organization, who branded these statements as “totally irresponsible. “

Dr. Prinz cited a number of A.J. Congress accomplishments “benefiting the entire American Jewish community.” including the fight against Aramco’s anti-Jewish job practices, the fight against Arab boycott of American firms doing business With Israel, intervention with the West German Government against swastika smearing on Jewish institutions and action against attempts to introduce religion in American public schools.

Dr. Prinz also denied a press report that a “revolution” was being planned against the American Jewish Congress by a number of its affiliated groups. He revealed that the officers of the American Jewish Congress had unanimously encouraged him to serve another term as president and that he would accept nomination on a platform of “closing ranks in support of a total A.J. Congress program. ” Election of a new president will take place at the AJCongress national biennial convention May 26-30 in New York.

The American Jewish Congress leader said he was confident the convention would give him a “mandate” to carry out a three-point program aimed at: 1. Strengthening A.J. Congress activities in the area of Jewish education and culture through establishment of a Commission on Jewish Communal Affairs: 2. Setting up a Commission on Community Interrelations to study anti-Jewish sentiment in the U.S. , and to recommend action for meeting the problem; 3. Continuing the activities of A.J. Congress’ Commission on Law and Social Action in the field of civil rights and civil liberties.