Jewish Leaders Launch Campaign to Explain Israel’s Position

American Jewish organizations began an effort today to explain Israel’s position in the suspension of negotiations by Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger for a second Egyptian-Israeli Sinai withdrawal accord.

In statements to the various news media, leaders of the organizations said the evidence indicated Egyptian refusal to agree formally to non-belligerency with Israel was the key factor in the breakdown of the talks. Stressing Israel’s continued readiness to negotiate in good faith, the leaders expressed the hope that the halt in the talks was a suspension and not a breakdown, and that United States support for Israel’s security would continue unabated.

The statements were issued by: Mrs. Faye Schenk, president of the American Zionist Federation; Mrs. Charlotte Jacobson, chairman of the American Section of the World Zionist Organization; Mrs. Rose E. Matzkin, president of Hadassah; Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations; Bertram H. Gold, executive vice-president of the American Jewish Committee; Judge Paul Ribner, commander of the Jewish War Veterans; and Dr. Judah J. Shapiro, president of the Labor Zionist Alliance.

The Jewish leaders urged all Jewish communities and organizations to consolidate their stand in the face of serious trials that lay ahead and to initiate a vigorous information campaign along all sections of the public to inform them of Israel’s just position. In addition they praised the role of the United States and particularly Secretary of State Kissinger’s untiring efforts to help achieve a second-stage agreement between Egypt and Israel.