A non-partisan committee of noted Americans prominent in the arts submitted today a statement in support of Israel to the platform committee of the Republican Party national convention. The platform committee began its deliberations here yesterday in preparation for its presidential convention next week.
Barry Farber, nationally syndicated broadcaster for RKO General, lecturer and writer, presented the statement for Writers and Artists for Peace in the Middle East on behalf of Cleveland Amory and Gerold Frank, co-chairmen of the executive committee.
“We believe that the existence of Israel and its development as a progressive democratic society sharing its values and accomplishments with other emergent nations–committed as it is to the dignity of man and the elevation of the human spirit–is an essential link in the establishment of the universal freedom necessary for the creative expression of all mankind. It therefore merits the support of all people who have faith in the future of a world at peace….” the statement declared.
It continued: “It is no accident that the broad spectrum of the American people, as expressed in the will of the U.S. Congress and both the present and past Administrations of both of our political parties, have given moral and practical support…based on our shared values representing the common heritage of our people’s histories. We believe that the best hope of mankind is truly entwined in the destinies of both countries. We place our emphasis on Israel because no other people in the area, with the possible exception of Lebanese Christians, is the target of total planned destruction….”
BASIS FOR SUPPORT
The Republican Party was called upon to: reaffirm Israel’s right to exist within secure and recognized boundaries; provide economic assistance sufficient to make her economy viable in her present difficult times; and provide military assistance as a deterrent because a weak Israel will invite aggression. Only a strong Israel can guarantee peace and the willingness to discuss peace.
The GOP was also urged to resist attempts for an imposed peace because peace will come about from direct talks between parties concerned; and to oppose all attempts to politicize the specialized agencies of the United Nations, and withhold the allocation of any funds by the United States to those agencies which have become the victims of such actions.
Members of the committee include: Martina Arroyo, Clive Barnes, Leonard Bernstein, Victor Borge, Paddy Chayefsky, Colleen Dewhurst, Melvyn Douglas, Ben Gazzara, Lionel Hampton, Geoffrey Holder, Norman Mailer, Zubin Mehta, Louise Nevelson, Estelle Parsons, Norman Podhoretz, Chaim Potok, Bayard Rustin, Beverly Sills, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Elizabeth Taylor. Elle Wiesel, Shelley Winters. Herman Wouk.
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