Counter action to extreme right -wing activities is an obligation of the entire community and to the extent that such activities are required, Jewish groups should coordinate their programs with those of other civic bodies. This advice was given to a Delegate Assembly of the Jewish Community Council of Detroit by Dr. Alan Westin of Columbia University, who has written extensively on the issue.
The JCC adopted a policy statement that right-wing groups have a negative approach to many local, national and international problems and that “not infrequently attract people whose activities have identified them as racial and religious bigots.” For this reason, the statement said, the community must be concerned with the activities of groups frequently referred to as the ‘radical right.'” This concern must be with a recognition of the “right of legitimate expression.”
The statement urged the Jewish Community Council “to continue its ongoing programs and goals particularly in those fields in which these and other anti-democratic groups have been most articulate.”
Dr. Westin warned the delegates against applying a “hate label” to the extremists. He said some representatives with records of racial or religious history had identified themselves with organizations of the extreme right but he added their influence had not been reflected in the overt actions of such movements.
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