Jewish Leaders Express Sorrow over Death of Whitney M. Young Jr.

American Jewish leaders expressed sorrow over the untimely death of Whitney M. Young, Jr., executive director of the National Urban League, who died of a heart attack at Lagos, Nigeria last Thursday at the age of 49. The prominent American civil rights leader, a major voice for moderation at a time of increasing Black militancy, was a long-standing friend of Israel. Funeral services will be in Kentucky on Wednesday. Last June, Young joined other prominent Black Americans in an appeal for United States support of Israel. He and 61 others signed a declaration urging the administration to provide Israel with the weapons it needed for defense. The appeal observed that Israel “with its impressive program of foreign technical aid, has contributed far more than any of its Arab enemies to the development of black African nations.” The American Jewish Congress said: “We join the Black community and our fellow Americans of all races and religions in mourning the death of a great national leader of his people and of the American struggle for equal rights and human dignity.” Rabbi Maurice N. Eisendrath, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations said, “The sudden passing of Whitney M. Young Jr., has taken from us one of America’s most dedicated fighters and articulate spokesmen in the cause of human justice.” Philip E. Hoffman, American Jewish Committee president said: “His compassionate heart and innovative mind, his struggle to improve the lot of all Americans will forever enshrine him in the memory of this nation and the world.” Seymour Graubard, national chairman of B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation League, said: “Whitney Young died as he lived, working for his people and his country.”