Jewish groups and leading personalities today issued statements expressing satisfaction with the fact that the U.S. Government had decided to resume its financial aid to Israel.
The American Zionist Council, representing all Zionist groups in this country, sent a telegram to President Eisenhower expressing the “appreciation of American friends of Israel” for his decision to restore economic assistance to Israel. “We trust that our government will continue, in the Security Council, to uphold the cause of peaceful economic development in the Middle East and to use its great moral authority and prestige to hasten peace and cooperation between Israel and the Arab states,” said the telegram which was signed by Louis Lipsky, AZC chairman.
Senator Herbert H. Lehman, lauding the government’s decision to restore American aid to Israel, said: “I hope the Security Council–and the United States Government within the UN and through normal diplomatic channels–will proceed to devote themselves to bringing real peace and security to this troubled area. This can be done by patience, persistence and constructive diplomacy. It cannot be done by intemperate outbursts designed to curry favor with one party or another.”
Philip M. Klutznick, president of B’nai B’rith, said in a telegram to the President: “B’nai B’rith warmly applauds your decision to resume United States economic aid program to the State of Israel. Your statement that our government does not prejudge any situation but acts only to support the United Nations once again emphasizes your devotion to the cause of justice and peace.”
The Jewish War Veterans hailed the Amdinistration’s decision as “a welcome re-emphasis of American traditions of fair play and impartial dealing with small nations that look to us for aid in preserving their freedom and independence.” In a statement issued by its national commander, Harry T. Madison, the JWV attributed recent misunderstandings between the United States and Israel to “inaccurate and even biased information being fed the State Department by its representatives in the Middle East.”
The American Council for Judaism sent a telegram to Secretary of State John Foster Dulles congratulating him on his success “despite tremendous pressures of special pleading groups” in “putting the full weight of the United States behind respect for United Nations findings in the present Israel-Arab crisis.”
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.