American Jewish leaders offered strong expressions of confidence over the weekend that President Fond will continue America’s efforts for peace in the Middle East and economic, diplomatic and military support for Israel. They also expressed sorrow over the events that led to President Nixon’s resignation and gratitude and respect for the former President’s aid and staunch friendship for Israel.
Rabbi Israel Miller, chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, declared, “On the basis of his record and public pronouncements, we have every confidence that President Gerald Ford will adhere to the basic theme of the traditional American approach to the Middle East since 1940 and will continue our country’s assistance to Israel through diplomatic, military and economic support.”
Mrs. Charlotte Jacobson, chairman of the American Section of the World Zionist Organization, asserted, “We have every hope that the new administration under President Gerald Ford will build upon the foundations Mr. Nixon laid in foreign affairs. particularly in the Middle East.” Of the former President, Mrs. Jacobson said that his great abilities exerted in the cause of world peace had produced solid accomplishments. “It is a matter of deep regret” that Nixon resigned, she said.
TERMED A FRIEND OF JEWS
Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg, president of the American Jewish Congress, expressed “hope and confidence” that under Ford the bi-partisan policy of support for issues of concern to Jews such as the safety of Israel and the condition of Jews in the Soviet Union and Syria will be continued. Noting that Nixon had “met on a number of occasions with representatives of leading Jewish organizations” to discuss international issues affecting Jews, Rabbi Hertzberg expressed hope that “President Ford will see fit to continue the practice of meeting with Jewish community leadership if the occasion may warrant.”
Rabbi Mordecai Waxman, president of the Rabbinical Assembly, the Conservative rabbinate, said American Jews congratulated Ford and wished him well “in the well grounded belief that he has always been a man of good will, a friend of the Jews and that he will continue the traditional American program of economic and military aid to Israel.”
Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the congregational branch of Reform Judaism, extended “best wishes and a prayer” for Ford. Rabbi Moshe Sherer, executive president of the Agudat Israel of America, claimed, “The Jewish community, especially the religious sector, has a devoted friend in President Ford.” He predicted that the new President would be “highly sensitive” to the needs of the Jewish people on the domestic scene and to the continued support of Israel on the military and economic fronts.
WILL RALLY BEHIND FORD
Elmer L. Winter, president of the American Jewish Committee hailed Nixon’s decision to step down voluntarily, and noted that “the country will surely now rally behind President Ford and prove once again that the American people have the capacity for meeting unprecedented challenges and for reconciliation.”
Lewis D. Cole, chairman, and Isaiah M. Minkoff, executive vice chairman of the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council, welcomed “Mr. Nixon’s reassertion, as one of the last acts of his presidency, of the goals of international peace and domestic harmony.” They also commended “Gerald Ford’s vigorous affirmation that he will continue to pursue these goals,” and stated: “We wish President Ford well and offer him all encouragement and cooperation in efforts directed toward the establishment of true peace in the world.”
Seymour Graubard, national chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation League, stated in a letter to Ford that the ADL “offers you its full support in your efforts to lead our nation to its highest ideas, its preservation of civil liberties and its international security…We devoutly wish that your administration will witness the achievement of your high goals.”
A RECORD OF INTEGRITY, HUMANNESS
David M. Blumberg, president of B’nai B’rith, emphasized in a message to Ford the organization’s “utmost cooperation” in his efforts to restore “the great American resource — the unity of our dynamic people.” Blumberg observed that “Our nation is fortunate that you bring to your new task an indispensable asset: the confidence and affection of the American people earned by a record of integrity and humanness.”
Mrs. Eleanor Marvin, national president of the National Council of Jewish Women, stated: “We wish President Ford great success in his fulfillment of (his) office and all its responsibilities, challenges and opportunities.” Mrs. Rose Matzkin, president of Hadassah, sent Ford “Our best wishes and our prayers” and pledged “our cooperation during this challenging time in history as you lead us to domestic peace and prosperity and to peace and justice in the world.”
Max Fisher, and Mrs. Fisher of Detroit. were among the 161 official guests invited for Ford’s inauguration Friday. Fisher is chairman of the Jewish Agency Board of Governors.
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