The leaders of two Jewish organizations today attacked the letter signed by 37 American Jews. Joseph P. Stemstein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, called the signers “well meaning people” who “seem not to understand that certain elements in the United States and the world at large, in their avarice for Arab petro-dollars, are willing to sacrifice Israel’s security.”
Stemstein said it would be an error to believe that the 37 signers “represent the Jewish community of America on either the grassroots level or on the leadership level. It is surprising that the 37 did not write a similar letter to Sadat. They ignored the fact that this statement gives aid and comfort to the enemies of Israel.”
Harry S. Taubenfield, chairman of Herut-U.S.A. assailed The New York Times for “slanting the news coverage in their attempt to downplay the popular support Mr. Begin has.” He noted that a week earlier a recently established group, the Ad Hoc Committee of American Jews in Support of Prime Minister Begin, sent a letter to Begin with more than 600 signatures expressing full support for the premier’s policy. “A news release was delivered to The New York Times, but it did not even make the last page,” Taubenfield said. “It seems that The Times sees fit to report only criticism and support when it comes to Mr. Begin.”
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