American Jews feel today more psychologically secure as Jews than ever before, the General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds was told by Harry Lurie, executive director of the Council. He emphasized that except for unforeseen international political circumstances the existence of Israel will contribute to the psychological security of American Jewry.
Addressing the 700 Jewish community leaders who are attending the Assembly, Mr. Lurie said: “It is true that as individuals we share in the uncertainties of the total population and reflect the general insecurity of our times such as the dangers of a renewed world war, the possibilities of atom bomb destruction and the instabilities of our general culture. We are subject to these insecurities as members of the American people and not because we are Jews. It is a paradox of our times that at the same time that we feel less secure as human beings, we are beginning to feel more secure as Jews.”
Current developments in American Jewish life hold much promise for a fuller and more vital Jewish community in the United States, Mr. Lurie declared. He urged that Jewish communal organization be developed so as to include cultural as well as economic objectives. He analyzed the divergencies prevailing in the field of American Jewish cultural activities and said that despite the continuing diversities in religious beliefs and practices, progress toward a greater cultural unity can be made.
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