The use of the words “Jewish” or “Hebrew” by political organizations was roundly condemned here today at a meeting of the executive board of the New Jersey Federation of Y. M.—Y. W. H. A.’s. The members were unanimous in their condemnation and designated a committee to arouse Jewish public opinion against the formation of such groups.
Philip Dimond, of Paterson, president of the Federation, declared: “Let us inform the public that Jews cannot be herded by political parties or groups. We vote as citizens and not as Jews. Our name has no place among the names of political groups.”
The action of the executive board is synonymous with the action taken last October, at the Federation’s annual convention, held in Jersey City, when a resolution was unanimously adopted condemning the practice of using the terms “Jewish” or “Hebrew” in connection with political bodies. The late Felix Fuld, who was president of the Federation for more than six years, was known to be strongly opposed to the use of the racial terms by the political bodies.
An oratorical contest, reports of camping and other activities and decision to hold the next state convention in Elizabeth, in October, were among the other business of the board meeting.
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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.