Jewish Assembly Seeks Aid of Democracies in Saving Jews from Nazi Slaughter

The charge that “the democracies are standing aloof in the blackest day of Jewish history by refusing to open the gates of their countries for Jews escaping the sword of the Nazi assassin,” was voiced today by Isaac Ben-Zvi, president of the Jewish National Council of Palestine, addressing the extraordinary session of the Assefath Hanivcharim, the Jewish National Assembly, convoked for the purpose of protesting against the Nazi mass-extermination of Jews in Europe.

The session was also addressed by Miss Henrietta Szold who appealed to the women of the world to save the Jewish children from being massacred by the Nazis. A similar appeal was voiced by Chief Rabbi Herzog who from the floor of the Assembly called upon all nations and people of all faiths to lend their aid in rescuing as many Jewish children as possible from Nazi-held countries.

Sir Harold MacMichael, High Commissioner for Palestine, in a message to the Assembly, expressed his regret at not being able to attend the gathering and emphasized his deep sympathy with the Jewish community of Palestine. “You are not alone in your grief,” the message said. “The entire civilized world, regardless of race and creed, stands aghast at the atrocities of the sadistic maniacs. The United Nations are determined to exact retribution. Though the mills of God grind slowly, they grind exceedingly fine.”

The appeal to the world issued by the impressive Rabbinical gathering yesterday, was broadcast tonight in English by Chief Rabbi Herzog on the Jerusalem radio. A three-day period of mourning for the massacred Jews will conclude on Wednesday with a Day of Fasting and Prayers and with a general stoppage of work from noon to midnight. All Jewish institutions throughout the country continue to be draped in black.