Masada, Zionist youth organization, closed its third annual convention today, re-electing Isaac Imber to a third term as president and deciding to establish a chalutz group to operate in cooperation with the Hechalutz organization.
The 150 delegates from 18 states expressed solidarity with the Palestine Jewish community and condemned the role of the Communists in Palestine disturbances, urging the exclusion of all Communist groups from Jewish life.
Another resolution urged organization of junior Jewish youth councils where none now exist to unite the Jewish elements of various communities. The convention left the door open to affiliation with the youth division of the American Jewish Congress.
Masada, prepared to establish a Jewish youth sports organization in the United States under its auspices, in accordance with another resolution. The sports body is to become the American division of the Maccabi World Union. Tryouts for the Masada team will be held at its camp Sept. 7 with Morris Kritzman, formerly of Boston University, as possible head.
The convention decided to redeem 25 acres and to plant a grove in Palestine. Another resolution provided for a book fund campaign for the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Frank Licht of Providence, who presided at the opening session, said there was never a more critical time for Zionists. He said current Palestine disorders would cause the Zionist youth to strive harder to see that homeland rebuilding went on uninterrupted.
Isaac Imber, Masada president, said in his annual message increasing numbers of Jewish youths were joining Masada. Israel Berman, executive secretary, reported a 64 per cent membership increase in the past year and formation of Masada regions in the West and Middle West.
Charles A. Coven, chairman of the Zionist Organization of America’s youth committee, delivered the principal address. Other speakers were Morris Rothenberg and Louis Lipsky, president and honorary president, respectively, of the Z.O.A., and Enzo Sereni, a leader of the Hechalutz organization.
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