Abraham A. Redelheim, president of the Zionist Organization of America, assailed today “unilateral” Jewish efforts to obtain an audience with Soviet Premier Khrushchev next week.
Speaking at the opening session of the 62nd annual national ZOA convention, Mr. Redelheim warned against the “unseemly spectacle” of Jewish groups trying to “get into the act.” He called such activities “tragic” and possibly disastrous because the future of Soviet Jewry might be at stake.
“The need for a unified Jewish community to speak with one united voice on issues affecting both Israel and the welfare of the Jewish people throughout the world has never been so poignantly demonstrated as at this very moment” in the bids to send a Jewish delegation to see the Soviet Premier, he told the more than 1,000 delegates and guests.
He said that “while considerable unity was achieved on this question on the part of 17 Jewish organizations within the President’s Conference, the Soviet Embassy in Washington revealed only a few days ago that they have received letters from no less than six separate Jewish organizations desiring a meeting with Mr. Khrushchev.”
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.
