Recommendations for establishment of coordinating committees by local communities to seek maximum cooperation in the timing, publicity and clearance of campaigns on behalf of Israel’s “four point program” marked the three-day annual assembly of the Western States Region of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, held here this week. More than 200 delegates representing 26 western Jewish communities participated.
Other major resolutions adopted at the conference included: 1. Strengthening of local community organizations as the best means for the planning and financing of Jewish services; 2. Pledging the support, cooperation and participation of the Jewish communities in activities to meet the needs of the armed services and the civilian population during the present national emergency.
Pointing out that American Jewry has come to realize that the needs at home, in Europe and in Israel are indivisible, Herbert R. Abeles, CJFWF national vice-president, declared that through the principle of central organization the Jewish communities are bringing together all groups for the goals in which “all of us believe and for which all of us can work.” The Jewish federations, welfare funds and community councils “have survived the test of time and experience,” he stressed.
Harry Lurie, CJFWF executive director, emphasized the role of the Jewish community in the planning and financing of local services. He noted that these programs are divided into two groups. “The first group has in some respects a non-sectarian character for it consists of basic services such as health, welfare and recreation which are made available to the entire community,” he explained. “The second category includes services for education, cultural development and religious life and it is essentially sectarian to meet the needs of our Jewish population.”
Raphael Brandes of Tucson was reelected 1951 president of the Western States Region.. Howard Desky, Oakland; Eli Levenson, San Diego; and Robert Sinton, San Francisco; were elected vice-presidents; and Ben Solnit, Los Angeles, was named treasurer.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
