Dr. Goldmann Urges “fundamental Change” in Jewry’s Stand Toward Israel

The need for a “fundamental change” on the part of the Jewish people in relation to Israel was emphasized here today by Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the Jewish Agency, addressing an audience of more than 6, 000 at the Municipal. Theatre. The mass meeting marked the inauguration of the United Jewish Campaign for 1959 here and in other Latin American countries.

Pointing out that he had warned the Jews of the world against complacency during the Hitler period, and that he suggested the idea of securing reparations from Germany even when this was considered by some Jews as “criminal,” Dr. Goldmann said:

“Now I sternly warn that the attitude of the Jewish people towards Israel needs a fundamental change in order not to leave Israel exposed in its most difficult stage of development. The possibility of a great catastrophe exists, if no such radical change will take place soon. The economic structure of the country may collapse under the obligations undertaken by Israel during the first ten years of its existence, plus the new obligations involved by the current immigration.

“I have the ungrateful mission to tell you what you do not want to hear,” Dr. Goldmann continued. “It is important to stir up the Jewish people from their complacent and placid attitude toward Israel. The Jewish Agency never had a balanced budget, and has always been in debt. The Jewish people never gave nearly as much as needed. In fact, only about 50 percent of the means came from Jewish sources.”

“Now, ” the world Jewish leader pointed out, “American aid to Israel is steadily diminishing because Israel is not the most important thing for the United States. Similarly the payment of German reparations to Israel is nearing completion. The Jews, if they only wanted, could build three Israels, because they have the means to do so, “Dr. Goldmann stressed.

SAYS JEWISH AID TO ISRAEL IS A QUESTION OF MORAL SELF-RESPECT

Emphasizing that the present generation of Jewry must take a more serious attitude toward Israel, the Jewish Agency head told the audience that the question of having a strong Israel is a question of moral self-respect, and not one of philanthropy. “It is difficult to create a state, but it is even more difficult to maintain it and to strengthen it,” he said.

Reviewing Israel’s achievements under difficult circumstances in the first decade of its existence, Dr. Goldmann warned that Israel may face even greater difficulties in the second decade. He lauded the Jewish immigrants from the East European countries now reaching Israel. “They are real heroes,” he stated. “They survived the Russian revolution, the Nazi period, Stalinism, and maintained their Jewishness.”

“These immigrants,” Dr. Goldmann predicted, “will change Israel’s face within ten years, once they are given the opportunity to apply their capacities and high cultural level. They cannot be kept in transit camps. Their immigration to Israel is the greatest miracle of our time. The governments of Eastern Europe understand now that they are unable to solve the Jewish problem in their countries. If the Jewish people will not be forthcoming with the enormous means needed, the miracle will be destroyed.”

Earlier, Dr. Goldmann addressed the convention of 130 delegates from 11 Latin American countries which is being held here in connection with the United Jewish Campaigns conducted in these countries. The convention was also addressed by Eliahu Dobkin, chairman of the Keren Hayesod in Jerusalem, who explained the difference between the present immigration from East European countries to Israel and the previous immigration waves.