Messages of grief from Jewish leaders and organizations, over the death of Mrs. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and condolences to the Roosevelt family, continued pouring in today.
Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the World Jewish Congress, cabled to the family his “sense of deep, tragic loss,” declaring: “Jewry throughout the world is ever mindful of Eleanor Roosevelt’s dedication to principles of human dignity and her unfaltering fight for human rights.” The World Jewish Congress president said Jewry “shall miss the inspiration of her presence.”
Joseph Meyerhoff, general chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, said the “untimely passing” was “a grievous blow to all of us. By her good works, and her courage to speak and hear the truth, she contributed mightily to making this a better world for all mankind.”
Mrs. Siegfried Kramarsky, president of Hadassah, called Mrs. Roosevelt “one of the great personalities of all time, whose warmth and compassion encompassed all peoples.”
Dr. William Haber, president of the American ORT Federation, described “the universal outpouring of sorrow from all parts of the world” as indicative of Mrs. Roosevelt’s position “as a citizen of the world.” “Her life, her acts, her words recognized no boundaries of nation, race or creed,” he stated.
Mrs. Charles Hymes, president of the National Council of Jewish Women, said that much of the devotion of American women to work for human rights and world peace could be attributed to Mrs. Roosevelt’s inspiration and leadership.
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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.