President Dwight D. Eisenhower today called on “young Americans of the Jewish faith to renew their study and their application of the ideals that belong equally to the traditions of America and to the ancient teachings of the Jewish religion” in a message to the National Jewish Youth Conference.
The President sent the message on the occasion of the nationwide observance of the Jewish Youth Week, which begins on March 20. The National Jewish Youth Conference is sponsored by the National Jewish Welfare Board and represents 311 local and national Jewish youth organizations with a total membership of more than 300,000.
“The organized assault upon these ideals which we witness in our time makes all the more urgent our appreciation of those truths stated–in different language but with the same meaning–both in the Old Testament and the founding documents of our nation.” the President said. “Freedom of religious worship, freedom of discussion, rule by the majority and respect for the minority, mutual understanding and trust among peoples of diverse faiths and traditions–these principles define the way of life cherished by all free peoples.
“For these principles to endure, they must be deeply understood and loved especially by our youth, both as individuals and as members of such organizations as the National Jewish Youth Conference. They summon us all to live the lives of good citizens and good neighbors at home, in the school, and in the community at large. They are born of–and they testify to–an unshakable belief in God and in the right to freedom of all men.
“Dedication to these basic beliefs by you, the young of our free country, is our surest source of strength for the future. I know that the National Jewish Youth Conference is devoted to this truth. I know that, with the wise counsel of the National Jewish Welfare Board, this year’s observance of Jewish Youth Week in the United States will inspire you all to new awareness of the great role you must play in the saving of freedom.”
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