Rabbi Leslie H. Hardman, spiritual leader of the large (Orthodox) Hendon Synagogue, has endorsed a boycott of the Red Army Chorus, the 85-member troupe scheduled to sing here March 20 and at Oxford two days later. The boycott is being planned by several Jewish groups. Speaking over the radio, Rabbi Hardman said: “We know now that Russian Jews themselves want the world to be aware of their plight. A boycott of a Russian theatrical group is one of the means of making the plight of Russian Jews known. I heartily endorse the suggested boycott.” Rabbi Hardman, who is 58 and who was born in Wales, added that non-Jews “who respect freedom of religion and detest anti-Semitism” should also boycott the concerts. Concurrently, Rabbi Dov Marmur, head of the North Western Reform Synagogue, has written to the British impresario for the Russian chorus’ appearances here, voicing disappointment at his willingness to promote the venture.
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