An appeal to the people of the United States and other democratic countries to back Israel now that its security is imperilled following Moscow’s diplomatic break with the Jewish State was made in a statement issued here this week-end to the American press by Israel’s Ambassador Abba Eban. The statement reads:
“The recent general development of Communist policy in relation to Israel and the Near East in recent months is of universal interest, and of special concern to the peoples of all democratic countries. There have been two aspects in this Communist policy – an anti-Semitic aspect and an anti-Israel aspect.
“The accusations of Jewish conspiracy contained in the Prague and Moscow trials are an offense against the integrity of the human spirit. They belong to the worst and most destructive tradition of anti-Semitic literature. They appeal to the most sinister racial and religious prejudices which have ever distorted international relations.
“A world in which such reactionary movements could not be resisted and overcome by the conscience of free men would be a world lost eternally to the cause of freedom. It is tragic to think of two and a half millions of our Jewish brethren caught in the toils of such an odious assault. The civilized world owes them all the protection which its vigilance and sympathy can provide. Israel’s doors are open for any who can reach their security and shelter.
“In addition to their anti-Semitic character the recent statements and policies of Communist governments have had an anti -Israel aspect. We have risked and incurred this powerful displeasure because alone of all the governments in the Near East, we have shown our devotion to democratic causes, because of our support in the United Nations and outside it of the policies and ideals of peace and freedom.
“I ask you to reflect with deep solemnity on the moral obligation which falls on the American people and all free peoples when a small state has its security imperilled by its voluntary support of the free cause. What is the duty of the leading democratic countries in such a case? Must they not in the name of mutual security and chivalry publicly increase their solidarity with a sister democracy which has fought their battle and which stands in the front line of the common cause?
“Israel has risked much and sacrificed much for freedom. Defenders of freedom everywhere owe us their help – in strengthening our body and spirit for the role which destiny has laid upon our small and gallant people. I am moved by the evidence of sympathy and support which have come to us from other members of the United Nations; from all sections of the American people and in such deep and fervent measure from American Jewry.”
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