Clarification of his statement yesterday on cooperation between the Israel Labor Party (Mapai) and the General Zionists in the Diaspora was given to the European conference of General Zionists at the opening of their general debate here today by Dr. Nahum Goldmann. The debate was opened following a report by Dr. J.J. Frey, general secretary of the European office, on its activities during the past two years.
“I have not said that the Mapai will remain in power in Israel for generations, but here is no doubt that the party will be in power during the first two years after the (World Zionist) Congress,” Dr. Goldmann declared. “We cannot afford not to take this into account and not to cooperate with the Mapai for the good of the state of Israel. This does not mean, however, that we shall be bound to participate always in the Government.
“We want to be independent of all parties,” he continued. “It is possible that one day we shall want to be out of the government but we shall never oppose or keep aloof from the work of Israel or her leaders. Whatever criticism we may have to offer, it will always be made in the spirit of fraternity and co-responsibility.”
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.
