Judge Louis E. Levinthal Elected President of the ZOA

Judge Louis E. Levinthal of Philadelphia, was, last night, elected President of the Zionist Organization of America by acclamation at the 44th annual of the organization. He succeeds Mr. Edmund I. Kaufmana of Washington, who last week withdrew his candidacy for a second term due to ill health.

Dr. James G. Heller of Cincinnati was unanimously chosen chairman of the National Administrative Council. As national Vice-President the convention unanimously elected: Edamid L Kaufmann of Washington, Dr. Soloman Goldmen of Chicago, Dr. Israel Goldstein of New York, Louis Lipsky of New York, Judge Morria Rothenberg of New York, Dr. Abba Hillel Silver of Cleveland, Robert Szold of New York and Dr. Stephen S. Wise of New York. Honorary Vice-Presidents elected were Dr. Harry Friedenwald of Baltimore, and Judge Julian Mack of New York.

A resolution of far reaching consequence which will revolutionize the Zionist movement in America by putting the United Palestine Appeal, the Jewish National Fund and the Zionist Emergency Committee largely under the control of the ZOA was adopted unanimously at the plenary session of the convention. The resolution which is considered a tremendous Victory for the present ZOA administration on over its opposition provides firstly, that no member of the ZOA shall serve as a member of the governing body of the UPA, JNF, Keren Yesod or the Zionist Emergency Committee unless so designated by the ZOA Executive. Secondly, such designated members will be responsible to the ZOA Executive for their official acts. Thirdly, they can be recalled from office by the ZOA Executive at any time that the latter finds it necessary to do so.

Hitherto, the ZOA, UPA, JNF, and Zionist Emergency Committees each acted independently, but for some time Dr. Solomon Goldman has been leading a movement demanding that the ZOA should acquire control over Zionist fund-raising agencies in this country as well as over the Zionist Emergency Committee which deals with Zionist political matters in America. The chief opponent to this movement was Louis Lipsky, but last night he startled the convention by declaring that he was in favor of the proposed resolution for coordinating the various Zionist activities in America.

Lipsky’s move, following as it did a stormy meeting of the so-called Lipsky group, in which retiring President Edmind Kaufmann war severely criticized for asking ZOA control over the UPA and Zionist Emergency Committee, was a signal to the opponents of the measure to avoid a fight on the issue. Thus the convention had a pleasant surprise and passed the resolution by acclamation and to the tun of Hatikvah, signifying unity in the ZOA ranks. While putting all ZOA members in the UPA and other Zionist agencies under ZOA control the resolution does not usurp the rights of the Hadassah, Hisrachi and Poalcizion to have proportional independent representation in the above agencies.

In his acceptance address president Levinthal said “it is a privilege to be elected President of this convention which has served to mobilize all creative forces of American Jewry behind the Zionist ideal. The proclamation that the rapid resettlement want and rehabilitation of the homeless Jewish masses can only be effected by the reconstitution of Palestine in its historic boundaries as a Jewish Commonwealth and that the victory of the democracies will bring about the restoration of Jewish rights. everywhere and the establishment of such a Commonwealth shows that the faith of the American Zionist is unshaken and unshakable. In assuming the Presidency with which this convention has honor me, I renew my pledge to dedicate my efforts to make Zionism the major concern of Jewish life in America with the united support of all Jews.”

Judge Levinthal has been connected with Zionist activities in America for many years. He was chosen as chairman of the administrative council of the ZOA at the last convention in Pittsburgh. Dr. Heller, newly elected chairman of the Administrative Council, is one of the most distinguished members of the Reform Jewish Rabbinate. He has taken, an active part in the Zionist movement ever since his youth. Some years ago he served as chairman of the National Executive Committee of the ZOA. During the war he served as chaplain with American expeditionary forces in France.

The convention unanimously adopted a resolution recording “its gratitude and appreciation” for the leadership of Edmund I. Kaufmann and his “faithful devotion to duty.” The resolution lauds Mr. Kaufmann for having “devoted himself earnestly, wholeheartedly, unselfishly and effectively to the administrative tasks of the organization during the past year.”