Jewish Federations Discuss Effect of U. J. A. Break-up; Urge U. J. A. Reconstitution

The effect of the recent break-up of the United Jewish Appeal on local federations and welfare funds was given careful consideration at the executive session of the Southwestern Region of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds held here this week, with 43 delegates in attendance.

A vigerous resolution was adopted deploring the break in the United Jewish Appeal and urging that an immediate effort be made to reconstitute this joint effort — by the appointment of an impartial arbitration committee; if necessary. The waste and duplication of independent campaigns was condemmed and community representatives, in resolving to do their utmost in raising funds for overseas work, domanded that the JDC, UPA, and NRS get together and assume their share of this responsibility through a joint campaign.

Of major importance to the delegates was the decision to endorse the establishment of a regional community relations office under the auspices of the Southwestern communities. The proposed office will operate under the direction of a professional executive. Discussion was based upon the special survey of civic-protective work in the southwestern area which clearly indicated the need for an organized program of intercommunity cooperation in this impertant field.

Additional action at the meeting included a resolution urging the CJFWF to hasten its review of national budgeting plans and to work out a satisfactory formula so that communities allocating their funds might have the benefit of the best service available. Consideration was given also to the local needs of the Southwestern communities. The 1944 officers of the Southwestern Region of the CJFWF who will continue in the same posts in 1945 are; Sol Brachman of Ft. Worth, regional chairman; M. M. Feld of Houston, and Julius Livington of Tulsa, vice-chairman; N. Dan Dreeben of San Antonio, treasurer; and Jacob H. Kravitz of Dallas, secretary.