Italian Government Awards Decoration to Warburg for J.D.C. Work

The Italian Government has awarded the order of the Commenda Della Republica Italiana to Edward M.M. Warburg, chairman of the Joint Distribution Committee, in recognition of the JDC relief work and Mr. Warburg’s personal dedication to justice, progress and humanity, it was announced here last night by Giuseppe Lupis, Italian Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The insignia of the order will be presented to Mr. Warburg by the Italian Ambassador in Washington.

The announcement was made at a dinner tendered to the more than 200 American Jewish leaders from 43 communities gathered here, as members of the 11th annual Study Mission of the United Jewish Appeal, to discuss the needs of European and North African Jews. The Mission will proceed from here to Israel to study the needs there. Other speakers at the dinner included Lord Nathan of London, and Max M. Fisher, national chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, who is heading the Mission.

Mr. Fisher reminded the audience that October 16 was a day of mourning for Italian Jewry because it marks the 20th anniversary of the day on which the Nazis deported 2,000 Jews from Italy to death camps. He lauded the achievements of the State of Israel, of the UJA and of the JDC in helping homeless Jews.

Charles H. Jordan, JDC general director, reported that, despite the loss of 25 percent of its 1965 operating budget as a result of the ending of the reparation funds from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, the JDC continued in 1965 to serve 430,000 needy Jews in 30 countries, mainly in Europe, Israel and Moslem lands. The members of the Mission also heard reports from heads of agencies with which the JDC cooperates. Max A. Bruade, director of the World ORT Union, and James P. Rice, executive director of the United Hias Service, reported on the activities of their respective organizations.