Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the World Zionist Organization, today called for “offensive action” to spur the Zionist Organization. He spoke at the opening session of the European Zionist Conference in which over 150 delegates representing the Zionist organizations of 15 European countries are participating.
“Zionism must be the strongest factor in Jewish life and there is no other to take its place, ” Dr. Goldmann said. “Difficulties may be particularly great in the United States but this is a European conference and might set a necessary example,” he added.
The world Zionist leader pointed out that even in the United States Jews were beginning to understand that under the present circumstances new hospitals and orphanages are less important than new schools. Dr. Goldmann cited the younger generation of Israel as understanding the need for what he called “a consciousness of the Diaspora.”
Zvi Lurie, member of the executive of the World Zionist Organization, in opening the conference explained that the gathering is part of widespread deliberations now taking place in all spheres of Jewish life in preparation for the forthcoming 26th Zionist Congress, He emphasized the importance of evolving a common definition of Zionism today in relation to the government of Israel. He said a four-year plan is now in preparation to be submitted to the next Zionist Congress. Dr. Zorach Warhaftig, Israel’s Minister of Religious Affairs, spoke of the importance of cooperation between the Jews of Israel and other countries.
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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.
