Jewish Federations Assembly Opens Today to Discuss War Problems and Post-war Planning

More than 600 leaders of Jewish communities from all parts of the country gathered here today to discuss American Jewish war problems and vital post-war needs at the General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds which opens tomorrow at the William Penn Hotel.

The Assembly, which will last four days, will open with group discussions on war and post-war planning, fund-raising problems, Jewish community organization and civic-protective services. It is the leading forum at which Jewish community leaders exchange ideas and experience, develop policy, and stimulate action on problems concerning Jewish social services and community financing agencies.

Among other questions, the Assembly will discuss the problem of anti-Semitism in America. “Anti-Semitism has not decreased,” says a statement published by the Council on the eve of the opening of the Assembly. “Thoughtful American Jews are seeking more effective machinery for combatting it. In this area, not only the national civic-protective agencies, but the local communities as well are involved. In fact, the local community’s role has been increasing during the last few years to a degree that warrants examination today of the structure and procedures being developed.”

The statement also points out that the tide of war having turned inexorably in favor of the United Nations, “it is imperative that we take up the question of relief and reconstruction in reconquered areas, and specifically the role of the private agencies in relationship to government programs. Long-term rehabilitation in addition to immediate relief, must be developed.”