The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee adopted a budget of $47.3 million and elected Heinz Eppler of Palm Beach, Fla., president at its 70th annual meeting here today. Henry Taub, whom Eppler succeeded, was elected chairman of the Board. Donald Robinson was elected honorary president.
Ralph Goldman, JDC executive vice president, reported that close to a half million people in 30 countries overseas were helped by JDC’s welfare, health, education or other programs. He said that the budget for 1985 “would just about help the JDC maintain its current level of assistance.”
$500,000 RECEIVED FOR ETHIOPIA RELIEF
Reporting on JDC involvement in the relief operations in Ethiopia, Goldman said, “Since the JDC opened its mailbox to the Jewish communities for special contributions for Ethiopia relief, we have received cash or pledges totalling half a million dollars. Of that amount, $100,000 came from the Central British Fund-World Jewish Relief, a philanthropic agency of the British Jewish community.”
More than 200 Jewish community leaders from all parts of the United States and Canada attended the all-day annual meeting. The meeting was followed later in the evening by a festive dinner honoring Taub, after four years as JDC president, and which saw the installation of Eppler as president.
In his remarks, Taub stressed the concept of community that kept the Jewish people alive and united through 2,000 years of dispersion and persecution. Referring to events in Israel during the past year, he noted that the budget cuts were affecting social programs, creating a challenge JDC must help meet. He expressed gratification that Prime Minister Shimon Peres is giving top priority to solving its economic problems.
Taub was presented at the dinner meeting with the Ma’asim Tovim Award, the highest honor conferred by the JDC. Rabbi Moses Rosen, Chief Rabbi of Rumania, and president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Rumania, also praised Taub and expressed gratitude for the help given by JDC.
Another highlight of the meeting was a special reception for alumni staff members. Approximately 100 past and present employes were presented with certificates of merit and appreciation. Making the presentation was Edward Warburg, son of the founding chairman of the JDC, Felix Warburg, and JDC president for 25 years.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
