Orthodox Convention in Poland Votes Its Confidence in Leaders

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

The increase in the number of adherents to the policy of the Orthodox Agudath Israel was greater in the Republic of Poland than had been expected by its leaders, it was reported at the close of a four day national convention of the Orthodox organization which was in session here.

Rabbi Isaac Meyer Levin in replying to criticism voiced explained that the Central Committee of the organization was unable to carry out all the obligations it has undertaken at the last convention in view of the fact that the movement had grown at a more rapid pace than had been expected. A resolution expressing confidence in the leadership was adopted over the vote of the delegates representing Orthodox youth and labor organizations. Another resolutio authorized a change in name of the organization. Henceforth the body of Orthodox Jews in Poland which operated under the name Shlomei Amunei Israel (the faithful of Israel) will be known as Agudath Israel.

A central council of 150 was chosen. Three seats on the council were given to the Poale Agudath Israel, Orthodox labor organization. A central committee of 50 and an education committee of 25 were also chosen.

During the debate much time was occupied to define the attitude of the organization toward the rebuilding of Palestine. Rabbi Hurwitz in his report on the Palestine question contended that the historic rights to Palestine belong to Orthodox Jewry and that the Balfour Declaration is of exclusive concern to Orthodox Jewry. He related with some heat the course of the negotiations between the representatives of the Agudath Israel and the Zionist Executive concerning the Agudah representation on the Jewish Agency. The Rabbi stated that Agudah representatives proposed to Nahum Sokolow a plan by which the Agudists are to be given equal rights with the Zionist Organization on the Jewish Agency. To this proposal, Rabbi Hurwitz stated, Mr. Sokolow replied with a Talmudic parable: “He who has prepared the dish on Friday may enjoy it on Saturday.”

Progress of the Agudath Israel colonly in Palestine, Machneh Israel was reported. It has obtained a land deed on an area of 4,600 dunam.

Much time was also devoted to a discussion of religious conditions in the Jewish communities of Poland. Rabbi Kalmanowitz, in reporting on religious observances, broke down in tears when he described the wide-spread violation of the Sabbath. Mr. Minzberg, president of the Lodz Kehillah, formulated a proposal that the government be urged to exclude from membership in the official Jewish communities all those who profess atheism.