Jewish leaders across the country viewed the signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt as the beginning of a new era in the relations between Israel and its major Arab neighbor and as a momentous step for word in the quest for peace. But the jubilation of some of the leaders was tempered by caution that many obstacles remain in the path of a lasting peace in the Mideast:
Rabbi Joseph B. Glaser, executive vice president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), in remarks to the 90th national convention of the CCAR in Phoenix, Arizona, termed the signing “a milestone occasion.” However, he added, “there are so many conditions, there is so much hatred being spewed forth by other governments. There is so much peril for Israel in its drawbacks from the Sinai and confrontation on its northern and eastern borders, that it would be self deception to celebrate with unbridled joy.”
A similar approach was taken by Ivan Novick, president of the Zionist Organization of America While.” rejoicing in the establishment of peace, ” he said the ZOA felt “serious reservations” about same of the treaty’s provisions. He pointed out that “peace remains fragile and is threatened by Syria, Iraq and Libya recently joined by Saudi Arabia and Jordan who, allied with the Palestine Liberation Organization, reject the peace and plan war against Israel.”
CAUTION ABOUT ILLUSIONS
Jubilation along with caution was also expressed by Prof. Seymour Martin Lipset, national chairman of American Professors for Peace in the Middle East. He expressed confidence that “the momentum for peace, once begun, cannot be allowed to slacken.” Noting that the treaty “will inaugurate a new era of understanding for the trouble-plagued Middle East,” Lipset also pointed out that “We have no illusions that this agreement will automatically temper the conflicting passions that have characterized the relations between Israel and Egypt in the past.”
David Smelling, president of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Jewish United Fund (JUF), and James Rice, executive vice president, said that President Carter, Premier Menachem Begin of Israel and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt fulfilled the Biblical injunction to “seek peace.” They also expressed the hope that the treaty will lead to peace throughout the Mideast and throughout the world.
Raymond Epstein, chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of the JUF, sent a telegram to Begin stating, “May this day, the 27th of Adar, be celebrated by future generations as Yom Hashalom.” In a telegram to Carter, he praised the President for the “inspired leadership” he gave to the negotiations. In a telegram to Sadat, Epstein praised his courage and leadership and expressed hope that the people of Egypt “will long enjoy the blessings of peace.”
Other statements hailing the peace treaty were issued by Bernice Tannenbaum president of Hadassah; Morton Mandel, president of the Council of Jewish Federations; Albert Chernin, executive vice president of the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council; Rabbi Ely Pilchik, president of the CCAR; Richard Maass, president of the American Jewish Committee; and Jack Rose, president of the United Israel Appeal of Canada.
THANKSGIVING CONVOCATIONS, SERVICES
In related actions, the CCAR, held a religious convocation in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phoenix where the convention was being held. The several hundred Reform rabbis recited prayers of peace, redemption and thanksgiving One prayer was the traditional “Shehechiyanu,” which says. “Blessed is the Lord, our Gad; ruler of the universe, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this happy day.”
In Philadelphia, the Jewish Community Relations Council held a community-wide thanksgiving observance of the signing of the treaty It was highlighted by on ecumenical religious service with participation by community leaders and dignitaries. In New York, the Jewish Community Relations Council staged an observance of peace at the Isaiah Wall opposite the United Nations.
In New York’s Times Square, a series of animated messages hailing the signing of the peace treaty began flashing out to the crowds this morning from the spectacular sign on the Allied Chemical Building. Arranged by the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies Joint Campaign the messages will continue appearing at approximately five minute intervals, night and day through Wednesday.
“Mazel tov, it’s peace” and “Peace can be the start of something great,” proclaim the messages, which feature likenesses of President Carter, President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Premier Menachem Begin of Israel, along with other appropriate symbols.
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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.
