Kaufmann Announces He Will Not Run for Reelection As ZOA President

Edmund I. Kaufmann, president of the Zionist Organization of America, today issued a statement announcing that his doctors “have ordered him not to continue the strain of office as president of ZOA.” He, therefore, recommends that the forthcoming Zionist convention in Cincinnati which is to open on Saturday, elect Judge Louis E. Levinthal of Philadelphia as the new head of the Zionist movement in the United States. The statement reads:

“After my recent and protracted illness, my doctors ordered me not to continue the strain of office of President of the Zionist Organization of America. Although the instructions of the physicians were clear and imperative, I refused to consider them as final until I had carefully gone over the entire situation and consulted many associates, friends and advisers as to the future. With singular unanimity, eyes turned to a personality among the leaders and active workers who would command the respect and active support of all American Zionists – Judge Louis E. Levinthal of Philadelphia. He is known as an eminent jurist, and a devoted Zionist. As Chairman of the Administrative Council of the Zionist Organization of America for the past two years, Judge Levinthal has earned the affection and admiration of us all. I have every hope that the forthcoming Zionist Convention at Cincinnati beginning Saturday will prevail upon him to serve. With such a leader as President of the Zionist Organization of America, the organization can go forward to greater achievements, in a spirit of unity and of deep devotion to the cause of Zion.

“I shall leave the active office with a profound sense of appreciation of the honors conferred upon me. I shall participate in the work of the organization during the coming year in whatever capacity the Convention may see fit to designate. I also want to say that I feel enriched by the many personal friendships which I have made in the past year and which I hope will be permanent.”