Hadassah Urges U.S. to Respond to Israel’s Economic Aid Requests

Delegates to the 57th annual national convention of Hadassah passed a resolution yesterday urging the United States government “to resist Soviet expansion in the Middle East” and “to grant Israel generous economic assistance to maintain her economy strained by the burden of defense.” The resolution called on the U.S. “to take all measures necessary to ensure that peace between Israel and Egypt will be consistent with the territorial integrity, political independence and viability of Israel as a Jewish state.” Another resolution called upon the U.S. and “the leaders of Christianity” to recognize Jerusalem as a “religious and national need in the life of the Jewish people” and “to support a united Jerusalem, which is, and must remain, the capital of Israel.”

A resolution “in behalf of Jews who are virtually hostages in hostile Arab countries,” called on the United Nations Secretary General U Thant to use “every possible measure to protect the human rights and dignity of these Jews and to facilitate their emigration to Israel or other countries where they may live in freedom.” The delegates also urged Congress “to enact such legislation as is necessary to totally eliminate racial isolation as well as segregation in public schools, and to adopt legislation designed to give the Equal Opportunity Commission authority to issue cease and desist orders against violation of the law” which prohibits discrimination in employment. At an earlier session, Hadassah announced granting scholarships to 33 young men and women between the ages of 18-25. Mrs. Morris Popkin, national chairman of Hadassah’s Youth Activities Department, said these scholarships will enable them to work, study and travel in Israel.