Charter for Jewish University Sought in Connecticut; Bill Presented

A bill for a charter to incorporate and establish a Jewish University of America in Connecticut, has been introduced in the State House of Representatives.

Rep. Joseph Buckley, a non-Jew, introduced the measure after the proposal had been presented to him by five Connecticut Jewish leaders–Harold B. Yudkin and George Yudkin of Derby, Charles Henschel of New Haven, Dr. J.H. Galen of Shelton and Rabbi Theodore Gluck of Derby.

Goal of the group is to create a Jewish-sponsored university designed to perpetuate Jewish culture but operated on a non-sectarian basis. Harold Yudkin, originator of the plan, said that if the General Assembly approved the measure and the Governor signed it, the corporation would be located in Derby and would start a campaign to raise funds.

Mr. Yudkin, who said he was ready to give 100 acres for such a school in Derby, emphasized that plans were not restricted to his city. He said if any offer was made of greater acreage elsewhere in the state, “that would be fine, too.” Rep. Buckley said he had taken part in the project because “it will help to perpetuate Jewish culture and advance general learning.”

Mr. Yudkin said it was hoped that the university would begin as a liberal arts college and eventually add post-graduate schools. He told the Connecticut Jewish Ledger that he started back in 1931 to dream of such a university, while he was still attending college. “In 1942, during the war,” he said, “I gave the matter more serious thought and began studying the field of education. However, when Brandeis University was started, I felt that the founding of one Jewish university at a time was enough. Now that Brandeis is on a firm footing, we hope to build a new university with contributions from Jews but open to all to attend–regardless of race, religion or color.”