Jdl Says ‘sympathizers’ Will Donate $50,000 for Purchase of Russian Estate on Long Island

The Jewish Defense League has sympathizers who will donate $50,000 to enable it to buy the Soviet Union’s 38-acre estate in Glen Cove. L.I., to establish a Soviet-Jewish Government in Exile, a spokesman today told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. He refused to identify the sympathizers. (The village of Glen Cove is attempting to sell the estate on a tax-lien sale because the Russians have failed to pay $50,000 in taxes in 1969. The Federal government says the property is tax-free under existing treaties.) The spokesman said that while a government-in-exile could be established elsewhere, it was more dramatic to establish it on property formerly owned by the Soviet Union. A government-in-exile is necessary, he said, because the Soviet Union does not represent its Jews. He did not say who had authorized JDL to establish such an organization. He also commented on the “admirable behavior” of the Glen Cove police who yesterday arrested JDL Chairman Rabbi Meir Kahane and four followers who were found on the estate grounds.

Police found slogans in Hebrew and English. “The People of Israel Lives.” “Let Our People Go.” and “Never Again” and several Mogen Davids were painted on the walls, on a gatepost and on the roadway. The JDL members were taken to Glen Cove police headquarters along with a truck carrying a sign “JDL Moving and Storage Co.” and Rabbi Kahane’s car. In the truck was a mailbox from the estate and a sign reading “New Home of the Soviet-Jewish Government in Exile.” the police said. “The police were not brutal but were decent and courteous.” the spokesman said. The police reported the JDL members had entered the estate by climbing over a four foot stone wall near the roadway gate. Police were alerted by a passerby who noticed the intrusion. The five JDL members were released when the Soviet Mission to the United Nations refused to press charges of criminal trespass. criminal mischief and harassment. They referred the matter, instead, to the U.S. Mission to the UN.