Several hundred persons today attended the first anniversary of the dedication of historic Touro Synagogue here as a national shrine. The gathering, arranged by the Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue, also commemorated George Washington’s famous letter on religious freedom.
Addressing the participants in the anniversary ceremonies, Henry L. McCarthy, executive director of the National Citizens Council on Civil Rights, pointed out that "from the days of the Declaration of Independence, people everywhere have observed carefully the words and actions of this nation…To overlook any violation of civil rights in our own backyard is to desert the cause of civilization and to risk the failure of all our hopes," he added. Congratulatory messages were received from Rhode Island Governor John Pastors; Dr. Everett R. Clinchy, president of the National Conference of Christians and Jews; Dr. Nelson Glueck, president of Hebrew Union College, and others.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.