Soviet Russia and Poland were sharply attacked by Israel Communist Party leaders for their treatment of Jews at the opening of the party’s 16th national convention here today. The party called on Communists all over the world to join in supporting the survival of Israel.
The party convention, which received official greetings from President Zalman Shazar and Knesset (Parliament) speaker Kaddush Luz, opened in a hall draped with three Israeli flags and three red flags. Party general secretary Shmuel Mikunis declared in his opening address. “We shall not betray Israel for a pat on the back from Moscow.” Dr. Moshe Sneh, party leader, said the immediate task of the Israel Communist Party was to help world Communist parties understand Israel’s problems and goals. He issued a four point demand to Polish Communist Party chief Wladyslaw Gomulka and to the leaders in the Kremlin: Permit Jews who wish to emigrate to Israel to leave; let those who remain live a Jewish national and cultural life; permit Jews to maintain contacts with democratic organizations in other countries; permit Jews to assimilate with the majority if they so desire. He called on Russia not to intervene against Israel in Middle East affairs.
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