Merger of Progressives with General Zionists in Israel Urged by Zionist Groups

Nine major Zionist organizations in various parts of the world today issued a joint call, insisting upon the unification of the Progressive Party with the General Zionists in Israel. The statement was issued on the initiative of the Zionist Organization of Canada and the Zionist Organization of America. Among the other organizations which have joined in this action are the Zionist Organizations of Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Chili, Belgium and France. The signatories include the heads of all nine organizations and delegates to the forthcoming Zionist Congress.

“The unification of both wings of General Zionism in Palestine in 1946 was a constructive step which paved the way for the formation of the World Confederation of General Zionists and the establishment of its constructive fund later in the year,” the appeal says. “The united front functioned with a measure of success at the Baslo Congress, and in the period which followed, helped to provide leadership and direction to the whole Zionist Movement. The subsequent rift in Israel, the emergence of two rival parties and its repercussions elsewhere, has seriously imperilled those gains, creating an internal problem for General Zionists throughout the world.”

Pointing out that the official platforms of the two groups are substantially identical, the appeal says, “it is generally conceded that their differences have been of a tactical rather than ideological character; but such differences exist within most parties and do not necessarily lead to their disruption. It appears to us that objectively considered, the present moment is most propitious to bring about that union of forces in Israel so long and ardently desired by the great majority of General Zionists throughout the world.”