Community Organization Problems Discussed at Annual Conffences of Three Ojfwf Regions

URGE CLOSER TIES BETWEEN UNITED JEWISH APPEAL AND COMMUNITIES

In unanimously approved resolutions, the New York Region called upon the Government to “use its great influence and strength” to bring about approval of the UNSCOP majority recommendations and to “immediately open the doors of this country to admit a maximum number of European refugees and displaced persons.” Another resolution passed by the New York group endorsed the statement and position of the executive committee of the CJFWF with reference to proposals by the American Jewish Conference, involving the possibility of a permanent organization. The delegates also expressed gratification at the reorganization of the UJA to include community representatives, and asked for extension of it.

Dr. Reich and Mr. Lurie spoke on the overseas situation as it affects European ?s. Both men stressed the need for more aid than ever before for displaced persons. ## the most part, they said, that aid must come from the American communities. In ?ite of two years of peace, they agreed, present conditions have blocked progress to ## a satisfactory solution of the problem of Jewish DP’s. Dr. Benathen pointed out ## Jewish education in itself is no longer a matter of debate as to its merits. He phasized the importance of making the central communal organization accept its responsibility for adequate financial aid and a long-range program of administration.

FUNDS AFFILIATED WITH CENTRAL ATLANTIC REGION WILL RAISE $20,000,000 IN 1947

The 35 Jewish welfare funds that are affiliated with the Council’s Central Atlantic Region will raise over $21,000,000 this year for philanthropic needs at home ? abroad, Bernard Alexander of Trenton, regional president, declared in his annual ?port. Most of the conference was devoted to sessions on the major aspects and? ads in Jewish community organization, over which Sidney Goldmann of Trenton and {SPAN}##{/SPAN} Greenstein, executive director of the Baltimore Associated Jewish Charities, ?red the chairmanship.

Herman M. Pekarsky, executive director of the Newark Jewish Community Council, ## Benjemin B. Rosenberg, CJFWF field director, stressed the broadening and democratition of the central Jewish community organization and that communities are assuming ?ader responsibilities and functions not only in their internal affairs, but also on ? national scene and in policies affecting the entire American Jewish community.

Henry Epstein, chairman of the NCRAC, speaking at the New York Regional Confernce, pointed out that the creation of a program to integrate and harmonize the retions of all groups in any community is not a matter of “pulling rabbits out of a ##. It requires organization, some hard thinking together about common problems, ? a considerable quantity of continuous, determined, and arduous spade-work, on the ## of all right thinking people.” Other major conference speakers were Dr. Alexander Dushkin, executive vice-president of the New York Jewish Education Committee, and Philip Bernstein, associate director of the CJFWF.

In the West Central Region, I.S. Joseph, Minneapolis, was elected president; ?ving G. Rhodes, Milwaukee, 1st vice-president; David Hearsh, St. Louis, 2nd vice-president; and Max J. Lipkin, Peoria, 3rd vice-president. E.N. Grueskin, Sioux City, ##, past regional president, was named representative of the region to the executive committee of the United Jewish Appeal.

The Central Atlantic region re-elected its entire administration: Bernard ?exander, Trenton, president; I.B. Finkelstein, Wilmington; Gus Kaplan, Harrisburg, ## Israel November, Richmond, vice-presidents; and D. Beryl Manishewitz, Newark, ?essurer.

Alexander E. Holstein, Syracuse, was re-elected president of the New York Re?on. Other officers elected were: vice-presidents-J.H. Rubens, Rochester; Harry ?rks, Albany; Arthur Markson, Utica; and Lewis Lurie, Schenectady; Howard T. Sapers##, Buffalo, treasurer and finance chairman; and Milton Fromer, Syracuse, secretary.