The American Association of English-Jewish Newspapers, at its 15th annual convention here, unanimously adopted today a resolution condemning terrorism in the South as being fundamentally contrary to American principles. Framed by Jacques Back, editor of the Nashville, Tenn, Jewish Observer, and backed by all the Southern editors in attendance, the resolution reads:
“The American Association of English-Jewish Newspapers joins with men and women of religious faith in deploring the series of dynamiting outrages perpetrated in various communities during recent months. With responsible leadership everywhere, the publishers condemn these acts of criminal violence-aimed, as they were, in pattern and intent, at Jewish houses of assembly and Negro school buildings.”
“We hold these attempts to initiate a reign by terror and intimidation to be in bold violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed to Americans: that-asking not of what race or creed or stature in society-each may’s it under his own vine and fig tree-and that none shall make him afraid. “Assurance, too, that no preachers of hate and bigotry shall erect barriers and deny to even the humblest of God’s children the ‘right to life and liberty’.”
“Yes, we hold these attacks…be they the work of a lone individual or of groups thus stealthily advancing against the America we know and honor…hold them to be an urging challenge to men in high places: that law and order must prevail…that citizenship-shall remain meaningful…shall never be made afraid.”
The Association also adopted a resolution greeting Israel’s tenth anniversary. “Representative, as it were, of Jewish life, the associated publishers share the glad spirit of realization in the mastery of the heroic task which crowns Israel’s decade of statehood, the resolution states. “Fortitude that taxed human strength, and faith ne’er-faltering in God’s promise unto the children of the Book, are written into the history of these years of creation.”
LAUDS J.T.A. SERVICES TO AMERICAN JEWRY; FISHBEIN ELECTED PRESIDENT
The Association warmly greeted the Jewish Telegraphic Agency for its services to the Jewish press and to American Jewry. A convention luncheon meeting, at which Philip Slomovitz, editor of The Detroit Jewish News, presided, was addressed by Boris Smolar and Victor Bienstock, editor and general manager of the JTA, respectively.
The Association elected Jack Fishbein, editor of the Chicago Sentinel, president, to succeed Abe Slabot, of New Orleans. Joseph Weisberg, editor of the Boston Jewish Advocate, was chosen first vice-president and chairman of the executive committee.
Other officers chosen are: Al Golomb, Pittsburgh, and Morris Janoff, Jersey City, vice presidents; Jimmy Wisch, Forth Worth, Texas, secretary; Adolph Rosenberg, Atlanta, Ga. , treasurer; Leo Frisch, Minneapolis, Elias Jacobs, Buffalo, Myer Keleman Los Angeles, Jules Miller, Philadelphia, and Arthur Weyne, Atlantis City, members of executive committee. The ex-presidents, Philip Slomovitz, Detroit, Fred Shocket, Miami, Jacques Back, Nashville, and Abe Slabot, New Orleans were named ex-officio members of the executive committee.
The Association took firm steps to stop unethical advertising solicitations; to elevate the editorial status and standards of the English-Jewish press and to advance circulation promotions. In behalf of John B. Hynes, Mayor of Boston, Joseph Bartzoff and Joseph Weisberg extended an invitation to the Association to hold its next annual convention in Boston.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
