Convention of Jewish Men’s Clubs Opposes Religion in Public Schools

A resolution reaffirming its long-standing opposition to sectarian practices in public schools was adopted here today at the closing session of a four-day convention conducted by the National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, a group affiliated with Conservative Judaism. The 1,000 delegates to the parley elected S. David Rosenzweig, of Trenton, N. J., as president, succeeding Philip Goldstein, of Washington, who was chosen honorary president.

Contending that protection of religious freedom, as guaranteed in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, “includes not only freedom for religion but also, necessarily, freedom from religious indoctrination or control,” the organization stated in its resolution that many religious bodies support Church-State separation in the public schools “because it is essential for the preservation of liberty and freedom of conscience for all.”

Two other resolutions urged the United States and Canada to bring to the United Nations “for prompt consideration and action” the threat to Israel’s security posed by the recent Middle East developments and by the Arab refugee problem. The general resolution on this subject pointed out that Egypt’s development of weapons, with the help of German scientists, and its sponsorship of the new Arab Federation, constitute “chief weapons” against Israel.

In regard to the Arab refugee problem, the convention urged the U. S. and Canadian governments to “initiate promptly effective steps,” within the United Nations, “to settle the problem in a manner in accord with Justice and with the realities of the situation.” Another resolution hailed Israel’s 15th anniversary, saluting the Jewish State for the manner in which it has “faced problems of greatest magnitude” while “beset on all sides by hostile nations.”