Secretary of the Navy Robert B. Anderson today reassured Herman Edelsberg, Washington director of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation League, that the Navy firmly opposes racial and religious discrimination.
At the same time, Secretary Anderson evaded a reply to a request from Mr. Edelsberg for a review of the “security risk” firing of Abraham Chasanow, of Greenbelt, Md., “with a view to determining whether or not the decision against Mr. Chasanow was free from bias and whether it is in accord with the facts and the best interests of our country. “
The ADL director wrote Secretary Anderson: “We in this office share a widespread sense of concern over the reports of the dismissal of Abraham Chasanow, because of what has been made to appear a most arbitrary reversal of a security board’s decision. We think you ought to know that this office has received a number of calls from people who are associated with Mr. Chasanow in B’nai B’rith who expressed concern that the dismissal might be motivated by ignorance or prejudice.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
