(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
A reception in honor of Felix M. Warburg, chairman of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, was given by the Moscow Kehillah, prior to Mr. Warburg’s departure for an inspection tour of the Jewish colonies in Russia. James H. Becker and Dr. Bernard Kahn were also guests at the reception which was attended by the members of the Board, social workers, distinguished men of letters and representatives of the press.
Albert Fuks, chairman of the Moscow Kehillah, praised the achievements of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee in Russia and lauded the part of Felix M. Warburg and Dr. Joseph Rosen in this work which has earned the gratitude of Russian Jewry.
Dr. Gran, one of the oldest Russian Jewish social workers, pointed out that the Joint Distribution Committee brought aid to Russian Jewry during the terrible war years, thus preventing its destruction. The J. D. C. work in Russia has been done with praiseworthy impartiality. The speaker paid tribute to Dr. Rosen, stating that it would be impossible to find a better man for the job. Dr. Wermel, a writer, expressed the hope that the Joint Distribution Committee will continue its work in Russia until Russian Jewry is self supporting.
Replying to the addresses, Mr. Warburg described the experiences of his five months journey, during which he visited Palestine. “I visited the cradles of all religions and cultures and it is my sincerest wish to see peace prevail among the races and nations.”
Referring to the work of the Joint Distribution Committee, Mr. Warburg stated that its achievements were not only in the fact that it brought assistance to European Jewry, but also in the fact that it reminded American Jews of their origin and of their Jewishness. He himself, Mr. Warburg stated, was not interested in Russian Jewish affairs until the Joint Distribution Committee was formed. Now all Jews are alike to him.
The chairman of the Joint Distribution Committee then praised highly the services of Dr. Rosen and concluded by expressing the hope that the ties of friendship between American and Russian Jewry will remain as strong after the situation in Russia improves.
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