President Dwight D. Eisenhower today hailed the Jewish Community Center and YM-YWHA as “an asset of rare worth to the life and developing civilization of our America.” In a message to Frank L. Well, honorary president of the National Jewish Welfare Board, President Eisenhower said:
“I am happy to learn that the Jewish Community Center is preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its establishment. The century of significant human service the Jewish Community has rendered makes it an asset of rare worth to the life and developing civilization of our America.
“It is good to know that there are close to 350 of these Jewish Community Centers–and YMHA, as they are also known functioning so effectively in hundreds of our communities throughout the land. I should also like to recognize once again the work of the national Jewish Welfare Board, for it is this organization which is the national association of Centers and YMHA. The Jewish Welfare Board has for many years given direction and guidance, skilled and heartening aid to these Centers.
“The Jewish Community Center has infused the ordinary lives of an uncounted number of people ranging in age from the pre-school child to the senior citizen with purpose, cheer, creative self awareness, and lively meaning. For this dedicated work, the Jewish Community Centers and YMHA of America deserve the gratitude of millions. I take profound pleasure in expressing my appreciation of this institution on this memorable occasion.”
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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.
