Jewish War Veterans Convention Votes to Support Group Libel Bill

A resolution to launch a nationwide campaign at all echelons in support of a federal group libel bill, specifically to combat hate organizations like the American Nazi Party, was adopted here last night at the closing session of the 65th annual convention of the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. The convention gave unanimous approval to the JWV’s national battle against hatemongers.

In a major address at the convention, Philip M. Klutznick, international leader of B’nai B’rith, spoke to the veterans about the role of Jews in support of commitments to fellow Jews abroad. He said it was not less American but more American to help others achieve “the happiness which comes from life in a democracy and a free land.” He mentioned American Jewish links with Jews in Israel, Morocco, Europe and elsewhere.

Speaking of America as a nation, Mr. Klutznick emphasized “the task of ridding ourselves of blemishes domestically and in our foreign commitments.” Mr. Klutznick said it was “utter folly to think of the world as made up of ‘at home’ and ‘abroad’.” He said any attempt at dichotomy between these two words was a luxury which we could ill afford.

The J.W.V. adopted a strong civil rights resolution and called on Presidential candidates of both parties to support it. The convention was addressed on the subject of civil rights by Arnold Aronson of New York, executive director of the National Community Relations Advisory Council.

I. L. Feuer of Youngstown, Ohio, a World War I veteran, was elected as new national commander of the organization. The veterans presented their bronze medal of merit to Lawrence Gubow, Michigan commissioner of the State Corporation and Securities Commission for his work in combatting the Grosse Pointe, Michigan, housing discrimination screening system.