American Jewry must during the new year face two challenges–the challenge of assimilation at home and the challenge of help in Israel to absorb increased immigration. Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the Jewish Agency and of the World Zionist Organization declared today in a Rosh Hashanah message to the Jews in this country.
“The Jewish year which is now drawing to a close in many ways has been a good and blessed year for our people,” Dr. Goldmann stated. “It has seen Israel celebrate its Bar Mitzvah, its 13th anniversary of independence in a spirit of strength and confidence; it has brought a renewed upsurge of immigration to Israel from countries in which Jews are deprived of the basic conditions for full Jewish living; and it has brought a measure of peace and prosperity to Jewish communities throughout the western world.
“Yet, as we approach the High Holy Days we find cause not for complacency but for renewed efforts to strengthen the unity of the Jewish people and to combat the corroding effects of assimilation. Only a deep commitment to our spiritual heritage and to Jewish people-hood, only Jewish education in depth for our people can asure that survival.
“During the past year, Israel has again fulfilled its cardinal role as the greatest positive factor for the preservation of the Jewish people. Again it has offered a new home and a new hope to our brothers whose physical and cultural existence is in jeopardy in their countries of residence. This renewed increase in immigration to Israel places on Jews throughout the world and especially upon American Jewry the high privilege and obligation of participating in the greatest rehabilitation and reconstruction process in the annals of our people to save those who look to Israel for their salvation as human beings and as Jews.
“As we enter the new Jewish year, we mustface the challenge of assimilation at home and the challenge of rescue and rehabilitation abroad with the courage, determination and faith befitting our great heritage. I am confident that American Jewry which has so often demonstrated its splendid devotion to the cause of its brothers overseas will continue to respond with the same understanding and generosity to the tasks which lie ahead.”
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