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Fate of Soviet Jews Seen Resting on Moscow’s Relations with Israel

June 5, 1964
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Raymond Schmittlin, vice-president of the French National Assembly, said here tonight that “Israel’s relations with the Soviet Union are entering into a crucial phase which might be decisive for the future of Russia’s Jews. “

Addressing a “Solidarity with Israel” meeting organized by the Alliance France Israel Association, the parliamentarian expressed the belief that “the fate of Soviet Jewry rests on the relations between Israel and the Soviet Union. ” The meeting, which was attended by several dozen French deputies and Senators from all French political parties, had been called to express France’s support for Israel following Soviet Premier Khrushchev’s recent visit to Egypt.

M. Schmittlin began his address by expressing France’s shock at the recently published book, “Judaism Without Embellishment, ” which, he said, was “reminiscent of the worst period of the Nazi publication, “Der Stuermer, ” Although he belongs to the right wing Gaullist party, M. Schmittlin also serves as president of the Parliamentary Committee for Soviet-French Friendship. As such he has close contacts with a number of Soviet leaders.

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