“The session of the Actions Committee of the World Zionist Organization just concluded, was one of the most significant and encouraging in recent years, ” declared Dr.; Emanuel Neumann in a statement issued here today following his return from Jerusalem, “Apart from reviewing the programs and activities of the Jewish Agency in the fields of immigration, absorption and settlement, and dealing with the budget for the year 1964-65, the Actions Committee directed its special attention to the problem of Jewish survival in the Diaspora and the role of the Zionist Movement in that regard.
“The deliberations on this subject were on an unusually high level and were marked by an earnestness of purpose and a harmonious spirit that transcended the legitimate differences between ideological groupings. The hopeful and almost festive atmosphere was due in large measure to the warm and cooperative attitude displayed by the Government of Israel under the leadership of Prime Minister Eshkol. The joint meeting of the Cabinet and the World Zionist Executive held the day before the opening session of the Actions Committee, had set the stage and created a new and more favorable climate.
“Whilst reaffirming the historic partnership between the State of Israel and the Zionist Movement, it was also the occasion for a solemn declaration on the part of the Israel Government that it will extend its fullest cooperation to the World Zionist Organization in its efforts throughout the Diaspora, By employing the weight and influence of his office to reverse an unfortunate trend which had helped to weaken organized Zionism in recent years, Premier Eshkol is displaying farsighted Jewish statesmanship of a high order.”
Declaring that “thoughtful Israelis” are becoming more “Diaspora-minded, ” Dr. Neumann said: “The conviction is ripening that unless Israel joins in the struggle against the trends towards assimilation and disintegration of Jewish life and contributes actively and directly towards its preservation and enhancement, it will have failed to fulfill its mission.”
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