The Rabbinical Assembly of America, concluding its fortieth annual convention, was on record today with a six-point declaration reaffirming its faith in democracy, urging Americans to aid those resisting “the modern enemies of God and man,” recommending increasing support for Palestine at a time when Israel was faced with “a situation as critical as the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile from Palestine,” and deploring “wholesale anti-alien agitation.”
The declaration, adopted yesterday afternoon in a moving scene reflecting deep devotion to faith, was directed to the Jews and other peoples of America. It was decided to publish it for wide distribution among Jews and Christians.
Conceived “in due humility,” the declaration said:
1–The first spiritual pitfall to be avoided is not to be arrogant; 2–We cannot disassociate ourselves from a share in the responsibility for the present woes;
3–The greatest tragedy of all would be if we, in haste to resist the enemy, would adopt his weapon. Military triumphs, be they ever so impressive, do not transform evil into virtue. This is not the time for wholesale anti-alien agitation or indiscriminate curtailment of civil rights. We must continue to exert efforts in behalf of the needy, underprivileged and unemployed;
4–Americans must exert all possible efforts to strengthen the hands of those who resist the modern enemies of God and man;
5–We reaffirm our unequivocal faith in American democracy. Once the electorate has given its decision in the forthcoming elections, our allegiance shall be whole hearted and complete to the newly-elected Government;
6–The convention recognizes that Israel today faces a situation as critical as the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile from Palestine. This is the time to act to save what can be saved, to protect what can be protected. Institutions of learning in this country must be supported. Palestine must be given increasing support.
The convention adopted resolutions urging support for a campaign in behalf of the Yemenite Jews in Palestine, aid for the Histadruth and the Hapoel Hamizrachi and support for the Academy of Jewish Research in publishing a volume on the 900th anniversary of Rashi, Bible and Talmud commentator. The convention also decided to publish a manual for rabbis, referred to the Executive the report of the Social Justice Commission and deferred a stand on conscientious objectors.
Rabbi Leon S. Lang, Philadelphia, was elected president and Rabbi Louis M. Levitsky, Newark, vice-president.
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