Jewish communities in the United States “must adapt to dramatic changes in programs for the aged, child welfare, family services, recreation, health and Jewish education,” Philip Bernstein, associate director of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, told Jewish leaders meeting at San Diego in the Western States conference of the organization.
The conference was one of two in the West at which Jewish leaders from nearly 40 cities mete consider local, national and international problems of the American Jewish community. The West Central Regional Conference was held in St. Louis.
Mr. Bernstein advised the community leaders that this required adaptation “cannot be done by fragmentary, isolated efforts. Only a community approach, in which all the agencies work together as a team, will meet the needs,” he said.
The Western States delegates called for repeal or revision of the McCarran-Walter Immigration Law; greater attention to pre-campaign budgeting for effective utilization of philanthropic funds; increased emphasis on year-round interpretation and community education to keep prospective contributors better informed on the needs, aims and services of community agencies; and development of leadership as an essential requirement for further community progress.
While expressing gratification for continued American assistance to Israel, delegates at the West Central Regional conference called for the United States to use its influence in bringing about direct negotiations for peace between Israel and the Arab nations. They also strongly urged the U. S. Government to reconsider any program for arming Middle Eastern countries that are potential enemies of Israel.
This conference also pasted resolutions terming the McCarran-Walter Immigration Law a “discredit to the United States” and recommended adoption of the Lehman-Humphrey Bill which is more “in keeping with the American philosophy of equality.” Other resolutions called for greater study of the needs and expanded services for the aged; and a reaffirmation of the prerogative of local communities to determine local community relations policy and programs.
The West Central Region elected Jere Glass of Collinsville, Illinois, president, while Howard H. Desky of Oakland, California, was named president of the Western States region.
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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.
