Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, chairman of the American Zionist Emergency Council, today issued a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency declining to be drafted for the presidency of the Zionist Organization of America. Dr. Silver’s statement follows:
“I greatly appreciate the sentiments of those who would like to draft me for the presidency of the Zionist Organization of America, It is a high honor to be president of the Z.O.A. and a great responsibility, especially in the days ahead when our work in behalf of Israel will call for new methods and emphases and for utmost vigilance against the forces bent upon usurpation and liquidation. But I have already served as president for two terms, and I find it impossible to accept the office again.
“Good men are available for the presidency to carry on the high traditions of this office and to carry forward the policies of the present Zionist administration which has contributed so decisively to the establishment of the state of Israel. Whomever the forthcoming Zionist convention will elect to the presidency will have my fullest support.
Last Sunday, a movement to draft Dr, Silver for the Z.O.A. presidency was launched at a meeting in Miami of representatives of Miami Zionist districts and Zionist leaders from various sections of the U.S.
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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.
