Jews Should Be More Forceful in Countering Anti-israel Arguments

The executive head of the American Jewish Committee, applauding post-Vietnam statements by President Ford “rejecting recriminations and calling on Americans to unite in facing the problems of the future,” today called upon the U.S. government to reaffirm the importance of Israel to the Western alliance system, as a permanent American ally, and as the cornerstone of regional stability in the area, in its reassessment of Middle East policy.

Bertram H. Gold, executive vice-president, in his keynote address to the 69th annual meeting of the agency at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel here, called upon its members to be more forceful and sophisticated than ever before in countering the arguments against support of Israel and in demonstrating “how the whole range of America’s security requirements are advanced by a strong Israel.”

Gold expressed the hope that, at the conclusion of the Ford Administration’s examination of Middle East policy, the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security would be reaffirmed, along with its commitment “to provide the economic and military lifeline she needs.” He added: “It is important, too, that the current reassessment not be used as a none-too-subtle form of pressure on Israel for political and territorial demands her own leaders feel would have dangerous implications for that country’s security.”

As for American Jews, Gold said: “It is becoming more and more apparent that Israeli decisions have an impact upon us here, both as Americans and as Jews. At the very least, we have the obligation to be more forthcoming with the Israelis about our views, particularly when those views may be critical of Israeli positions–positions which could diminish urgently needed American support. And by the same token, the Israelis have the reciprocal obligation not only to listen, but to hear.”