J.D.C. Honored in Geneva by Leaders of European Jewish Communities

Continuation of the Joint Distribution Committees welfare and reconstruction services “so long as there is need of them” was pledged here today by Edward M. M. Warburg, chairman of the JDC, as the organization was honored upon completion of its 50th year of service by the International Council of Jewish and Social and Welfare Services, composed of the major Jewish refugee and welfare agencies.

Stating that “our activities today are second only to those of the postwar period,” Mr. Warburg declared: “We cannot rest on our laurels. Hundreds of thousands still need our help. With the continued assistance of the Jews of America, plus the cooperation of the agencies represented here, we pledge to go on with the work started 50 years ago.” He paid warm tribute to the European Jewish organizations, some of which date back as far as the period prior to World War I, and others of which came into being in more recent years.

Addresses paying tribute to the JDC and its 50 years of activities were delivered by H. Oscar Joseph, chairman of the British Central Fund; Dr. Astore Mayer, of Italy, president of the Standing Conference of European Jewish Community Services; Sir Henry d’Avigdor Goldsmid, of England, president of the Jewish Colonization Association; and Daniel Mayer, of Paris. Also on the dais were Dr. Moses Rosen, chief rabbi of Rumania; Moses A. Leavitt, executive vice-chairman of the JDC; and James Pl Rice, executive director of United Hias Service.

Special awards were given to present and past JDC leaders in Europe who were lauded for their work in the organization’s work on behalf of millions of Jews. Among the recipients of the awards were Charles H. Jordan, present Overseas Directo-General of JDC; his wartime predecessor, Dr. Joseph J. Schwartz; and the latters successor, the late Moses Beckelman. The posthumous award to Mr. Beckelman was accepted by his widow.