Dr. Neumann Hits Arab Anti-semitism; Urges Zionist Unity

Dr. Emanuel Neumann warned here that Arab propaganda against Israel was becoming “increasingly anti-Semitic in character” and linking up with “neo-Nazi and neo-Fascist groups threatening the position of Jewish communities” in many other countries.

The warning was conveyed by Dr. Neumann, president of the World Union of General Zionists, in a message to the European Conference of General Zionists, which he was unable to attend. Asserting that Israel was no longer the only target of such propaganda, Dr. Neumann said that Jews outside Israel must react vigorously, and that the Zionist movement must discharge “its historic responsibilities in this sphere.”

He called for a special effort by the Israel Government to help Zionism regain its position, influence and leadership as the major force in Jewish life. To achieve this, he declared, the forces of General Zionism had to be consolidated and united, adding that the group which he led had worked for years to bring about such unification. He said that effort had succeeded in Israel and in Latin American countries, that it had made progress in Europe and elsewhere, and that it would be continued.

The fragmentation and divisions in General Zionism in the past had been most harmful to the entire Zionist movement and had even crippled efforts in many countries, said Dr. Neumann. He stressed that the General Zionists which he led had striven for years “earnestly and sincerely” to unify the forces of General Zionism which together constituted the backbone of the movement in countries outside Israel.

“We have stood historically for the concept of one people,” he stated. “We have represented the idea of Klal Yisroel. We have adhered faithfully to the basic policy of general Zionism, placing the collective interest and needs of the Jewish people above the interest of any party or class or section.”