Rabbi Theodore L. Adams, president of the Synagogue Council of America, yesterday told a national conference on the U.S. foreign aid program that aid now extended “does not even begin to be enough. ” He said the United States has a clear moral obligation to the world community to share some of its material wealth.
Rabbi Adams pointed out that his organization had expressed religious concern “over the factor of motive in providing non-military economic assistance. ” He said it had been observed that the government finds it necessary to tell the American people that the major reason for foreign aid is in the interest of U.S. foreign policy.
As religionists, he said, the view of the Synagogue Council was “that the utilitarian motive of benevolence is not worthy of the United States. The moral character and destiny of America compel the higher motives of compassion, of brotherhood, or respect for human personality. “
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.