Miller is New Z.O.A. President; Convention Decides on Identification

The 55th annual convention of the Zionist Organization of America today elected Rabbi Irving Miller as president of the Z.O.A. following the adoption of a “Miller Resolution” reaffirming the adherence of the Z.O.A. to the World Confederation of General Zionists.

The resolution, which received 594 votes as compared with 354 votes scored by a competing “Redelheim Resolution,” emphasized the “ideological and moral kinship” which exists between the Z.O.A. and likeminded sister organizations of General Zionists in Israel and countries outside of Israel, and extended to them “once more an expression of cordial friendship and fraternal relations.”

“The Zionist Organization of America,” the resolution said, “has never been and is not now affiliated party-wise with any other Zionist group or party, is bound by no party discipline, reserves its independence and freedom of action and takes no part in the political life of the State of Israel–which is the exclusive function of Israeli citizens.

“The highest interest of General Zionists everywhere and the unity of the World Confederation, of which we are a member, impel us to renew our plea to the two General Zionist groups to resolve their differences and bring about the complete unification of their forces,” the resolution stated.

With regard to Z.O.A. relations with Israel, the resolution pledged full cooperation to the Israel Government in the work of “ingathering of the exiles” and in fostering the unity of the Jewish people. It accepted “without reservations” the obligations implied in the decision adopted at the last World Zionist Congress which declares that “the practical work of the Zionist movement and its various bodies calls for the fullest degree of cooperation and coordination on its part, with the State of Israel and its Government in accordance with the laws of the land.”

Dr. Nahum Goldmann and Louis Lipsky spoke sharply against Z.O.A. identification with the General Zionist Party of Israel. Advocating the adoption of the identification resolution were Rabbi Miller and Dr. Emanuel Neumann. Benjamin G. Browdy, retiring Z.O.A. president, urged the convention to “adopt a policy of freedom of action for the Z.O.A. without entangling alliances with any Zionist group” and of non-intervention in the affairs of any party in Israel.

Premier David Ben Gurion of Israel, in a cabled message to the convention, stressed that “the tasks now facing the State of Israel and the Zionist movement are heavier and greater than they ever were and require a close and permanent partnership between the State and the Jewish people.” Ambassador Eban, addressing the convention urged a continuing partnership between Israel and world Jewry in order to maintain balance of forces favorable to the Jewish State.