The State Republican Party organization canceled a social gathering honoring Vice President Sprio Agnew at a local synagogue because the rabbi approved a silent anti-war vigil at the synagogue at the time of the fete yesterday. Rabbi Charles Kroloff of Temple Emanu-El reported that a party official was so incensed at the idea of the vigil that he told the rabbi:
“If you people are going to pull that kind of crap, why don’t you all get back on the boat and go back where you came from.” Rabbi Kroloff refused to identify the official to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency or other news services, but stated that he was an official authorized to arrange or cancel the gathering.
As Rabbi Kroloff recounted the story to the JTA, the GOP unit rented the Reform temple’s social hall because it is near the armory where a dinner for Agnew was also scheduled. Attendance at the dinner is limited to those contributing at least $1000 a year to the party.
Rabbi Kroloff agreed to host the Agnew social because “I don’t believe you should stay away from controversial figures.” He added that secret servicemen advised of the youthful vigil, approved it. But when the GOP official was advised of the plans, he was “abusive” to the rabbi, according to the latter. Rabbi Kroloff, 36, has headed the 22-year-old Temple Emanu-El for six years. It serves 600 families.
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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.
