President Coolidge Praises Jewish Philanthropy in Radio Speech to Federation Dinner

“The Jewish people have always and everywhere been particularly devoted to the idea of taking care of their own,’ declared President Calvin Coolidge, in his speech over the radio, addressing the $100 dinners given by the Federation to Support Jewish Philanthropies in the City of New York at the Pennsylvania and Waldorf-Astoria Hotels Sunday night.

“This federation is one of the monuments to their independence and self-reliance. They have sought to protect and preserve that wonderful inheritance of tradition, culture, literature and religion which has placed the world under so many obligations to them. In their efforts to serve their highest ideals they will always be helpful to the wider community of which they are a part. In the work of this federation they are rendering a service not only to their own people, but to the entire community. Along with that precious service they are settling up an example of successful, practical, helpful business administration which deserves all commendation. It may well be an inspiration to every charitable institution of the land.

“I want you to know that I feel that you are making good citizens, that you are strengthening the Government, that you are demonstrating the supremacy of the spiritual life and helping establish the Kingdom of God on earth.”

The cover charge for the dinner was $100; every $100 went intact into the treasury of the Federation, the expense of the dinner being defrayed entirely by an anonymous donator.

The Keynote speech was delivered by Mortimer L. Schiff, who dwells particularly on the fact that charity is described by the Jewish people with the Hebrew word, “Zedakah”, which means both charity and justice. Felix M. Warburg, Supreme