Dr. Nahum Goldmann asked the nations of the world to understand “the uniqueness” of the Jewish nation, a minority of which is in Israel while the majority is “dispersed all over the world.” He voiced that request here at a gala dinner marking the 25th anniversary of the World Jewish Congress.
Pointing out that the Jewish link with Israel must not be interpreted as a manifestation of “dual loyalty,” the president of the World Jewish Congress said that a lack of world Jewish unity with Israel would “endanger and undermine the existence of the Jewish nation.” He stressed that the “dangers” facing the Jewish nation are “the continuous cutting off of the 3,500,000 Jews behind the Iron Curtain,” assimilation in the free world, and the increasing gap between Israeli and world Jewry. “Only national unity, closer ties and bonds will preserve the Jewish race,” he said.
Among prominent personalities here who greeted the WJC on its 25th anniversary were Minister of Education Abba Eban and Moshe Sharett, chairman of the Jewish Agency. Both called on Jews everywhere to continue to be on guard for Jewish rights wherever such rights are endangered. Present at the event were also members of the diplomatic corps, including United States Ambassador Walworth Barbour, as well as members of Israel’s Parliament, headed by Speaker Kaddish Luz.
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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.