Governing Bodies of American Jewish Congress Approve Rededication to Original Tenets

The executive and administrative committees of the American Jewish Congress, meeting today at the Hotel Statler, approved a statement of rededication to the organization’s original principles. The A.J.C., founded 32 years ago by the late Dr. Stephen S. Wise, said in its statement that Jews true to the American ideal and to Jewish tradition “reject every form of totalitarianism as imperilling the survival of the Jewish people and the freedom of mankind.”

The statement of principles, made public by A.J.C. president Rabbi Irving Miller, added: “Since the essence of both the American ideal and the Jewish tradition is the sacredness of the individual, we can pursue these objectives only through the free democratic process, and must reject every form of totalitarianism as imperilling the survival of the Jewish people and the freedom of mankind. These objectives flow out of our joint responsibilities as Americans and as Jews. In their realization, our heritage of American democracy and the tradition of Judaism will achieve fulfillment.” The statement listed the following goals of the A.J.C.

“1. Assurance and extension of the fundamental freedoms of man through elimination of all forms of political, social and economic discrimination on grounds of race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin.

“2. In order that Jews living in America may be meaningful and creative, the A.J.C. seeks to promote more democratic communal organization, stimulate an informed awareness of Jewish affairs, encourage Jewish scholarship and foster the affirmation of Jewish religious, cultural and historic identity.

“3. Assist the people of Israel to develop in freedom, security and peace, and promote mutual understanding and cooperation between America and Israel and between the Jewish communities of both lands.

“4. The A.J.C. will join in democratic association, through the World Jewish Congress, with Jewish communities of other lands to affirm the unity of the Jewish people and to help secure and protect the civil, religious and economic rights of Jews everywhere.”