Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the World Jewish Congress, closed its Sixth Plenary Assembly here Monday night with the prediction that peace might come to Israel “in one or two years, not ten or twenty as some others believe.” Addressing the Assembly’s final session, Dr. Goldmann also enumerated four basic tasks and issues which, he said, the Assembly had brought into focus.
He said these were mobilizing support for Israel “in its hour of need”; creating the institutional framework for a genuine dialogue between Israel and diaspora Jewry; helping Soviet Jews in their struggle for freedom; and facing up to the issue of “double loyalty” by Jews in countries whose policies might conflict with their attachment to Israel.
“We pledge our support to Israel in its struggle for peace and security no matter what the sacrifices demanded of us.” Dr. Goldmann declared. He said the problem of dialogue between Israel and the diaspora was “enormously complicated but could be solved in a way that would make a great contribution to the strengthening of Israel and the Jewish people.”
Dr. Goldmann suggested that when the Middle East conflict is finally ended, leading to the resumption of normal diplomatic relations between Israel and the USSR, “the results might prove most significant for Soviet Jews.” He pledged to bring the WJC back to Jerusalem for a special convocation “on that glorious day when peace comes to Israel,” and to help launch the new day “when all the energies and genius of our people may be directed toward the creative tasks of peace.”
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.
