Hoffberger Urges U.S. Jews to Be ‘on the Cutting Edge’ of Important Issues Facing American Society

Jerold Hoffberger, chairman of the United Israel Appeal (UIA) urged American Jews today “to speak out and be on the cutting edge of any important issue” facing American society.

“Neither we nor Israel will be served by silence,” Hoffberger warned in a speech during the annual luncheon of the UIA at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel here. He said American Jews should fight anti-Semitism and its ramifications in this country. Hoffberger said that the Jewish community should not hesitate to speak out on issues it deems important because of fear of an anti-Jewish backlash. He recalled, in that connection, that American Jews were warned not to oppose the sale of AWACS to Saudi Arabia on the ground that their opposition might increase anti-Semitism.

Hoffberger also warned against the “growth of the political right” and “new conservatism” in America, charging that they pose a threat to the entire American society. He said that by “speaking out” the Jewish leadership also enhances “our campaign” in the Jewish communities, because “we raise the conscience of our people.”

WORK OF UIA REVIEWED

Irving Kessler, executive vice chairman of the UIA, reviewed the work of the organization. He stated that the UIA’s “arrangements to meet budgetary demands in light of limited cash flow are timely and expert-minimizing finance costs in a period of staggering interest rates.”

He disclosed that “in recent days, consultations with the State Department to coordinate efforts to save Ethiopian Jews have added another item to the UIA agenda.”

Declaring that Project Renewal to rehabilitate deteriorated neighborhoods in Israel “is succeeding,” Kessler said that of the $80 million allocated by the UIA for the project, $24 million was used so far.