Johnson Addresses Jewish Editors and Publishers in White House

The five-day annual convention of the American Jewish Press Association, organization of publishers of the American Jewish weekly newspapers, concluded here today with the election of Adolph Rosenberg, editor-publisher of the Southern Israelite, of Atlanta, as president. The convention discussed various problems of importance to American Jewish life.

The delegates were received at the White House by President Johnson, who in an off-the-record address, indicated, during the half-hour visit, the importance he attached to matters of Jewish interest and concern. Touching on a variety of subjects of world conditions in general, he talked especially about the Middle East. In welcoming the publishers and editors, he commended the dedication of the Jewish press to humanitarian causes.

A participant, on the initiative of the President, was Ambassador Arthur J. Goldberg, chief American delegate to the United Nations. President Johnson commended the work of Mr. Goldberg, noting how the sons of Jewish immigrants could rise to great heights in the United States. The delegates were led by Morris Janoff, publisher of the Jewish Standard, of Jersey City, N.J., who served as president of the association prior to the election of Mr. Rosenberg.

VICE-PRESIDENT HUMPHREY REFERS TO U.S. MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL

The delegates were also addressed by Vice-President Hubert H. Humphrey at a reception tendered to them by B’nai B’rith. Vice-President Humphrey told the assembled delegates and guests that Communist China was trying to foment an Arab “national liberation front” against Israel, seeking to inject its influence in the Middle East. He said that the attempts by “militant forces in Southeast Asia,” specifically Communist China and North Vietnam, to increase Mid-East tensions were “serious.”

Mr. Humphrey cited the efforts by the Palestine Liberation Organization to stir armed friction in the Middle East. He revealed, for the first time, that, during his recent visit to India, he had urged the New Delhi Government to accept technical aid from Israel. India has rejected such help from the Jewish State.

The Vice-President referred to the United States Government’s decision to provide light jet bombers and tankers to Israel, declaring that was done because aggressive forces were present in the Middle East, and “free people must be able to defend themselves.” He lauded the role of the American Jewish press and urged the AJPA members to continue their efforts to educate the Jewish community to face threats from totalitarianism. Mr. Humphrey was introduced to the editors and publishers by Rabbi Jay Kaufman, executive director of B’nai B’rith.

AMBASSADOR HARMAN LAUDS AMERICAN JEWISH PUBLICATIONS

At a reception given to the delegates at the Israel Embassy, Ambassador Avraham Harman, expressed appreciation of the Israel Government for the role played by the American Jewish publications in helping the cause of Israel. He analyzed the present problems faced by Israel as well as the progress the country is making in various directions. Messages of greetings to the convention were sent by Israel President Zalman Shazar, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol and Foreign Minister Abba Eban.

One of the sessions of the convention was devoted to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and its services to the American Jewish press. The discussion was led by Victor M. Bienstock, general manager of the JTA. The delegates were addressed by Philip Hochstein eminent editor of the Newhouse Newspapers. Boris Smolar, editor-in-chief of the JTA outlined editorial problems. The delegates were unanimous in urging maximum support to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The convention also marked the conclusion of National Jewish Press Week, which had been observed during the preceding seven days, under the chairmanship of Philip Slomovitz, editor-publisher of The Jewish News, of Detroit, At a special religious service honoring the AJPA and National Jewish Press Week, at the Congregation Adas Israel, here. Mr. Slomovitz delivered the guest sermon. He told the congregation that “our press and our conscience” serve as “the guardian over the public welfare of our people.” His speech made a deep impression because of its perceptive analysis of the challenge and responsibility of American Jewish newspapers.

The elected vice-presidents of the Association included Albert W. Golomb, of The Jewish Chronicle, Pittsburgh; Jimmy Wisch, Texas Jewish Post, Dallas-Fort Worth; and Conrad Eisenberg, Jewish Civic Leader, Worcester, Mass. Martin Korick, of The Jewish Record, Atlantic City, was elected secretary; and Milton Firestone, Kansas City Jewish Chronicle, became treasurer. Leo B. Frisch, of The American Jewish World, Minneapolis St. Paul, was reelected honorary vice-president. Mr. Janoff was elected to serve as a life member of the board of directors.