A statement clarifying the relationship between national and local Jewish agencies engaged in combating anti-Semitism and in the fight for civil liberties was issued here today by the National Community Relations Advisory Council, coordinating body of these agencies.
Stressing that Jewish community relations agencies are concerned with the rights and welfare of all Jews, the statement asserts that the agencies, both national and local, “recognize their accountability to the Jewish community in whose cause they serve” National and Local agencies play complementary roles, the statement declares, and full harmonious cooperation among them is imperative,
The statement affirms that the local community relations council where it is “representative of the community and involves the participation of the responsible organized Jewish groups in the community or region,” is “the central body with primary responsibility for planning and conducting community relations programs.” National agencies abound recognize this in establishing branch offices and in planning activities they should make their resources available to such local agencies and encourage the formation of such local councils where they do not exist, the statement declares.
In accordance with the principle of complementary roles, the statement also provides that local councils should “give full recognition to the constituents of national agencies as channels through which the implementation of local community relations programs can be facilitated.” No national agency “need be or should be asked to compromise its fundamental philosophy,” the statement declares.
In addition to setting forth the mutual obligations of local agencies toward national agencies and nationals toward locals, the statement provides for referral to the NCRAC of difficulties arising out of its interpretation or application. The principles comprising the statement were agreed to after extended consultations among the national agencies and community representatives.
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