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Reichsvertretung Avoids Split in Dispute with Prussian Communities

June 18, 1937
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A split in German Jewry, affecting the activities of Jewish organizations, had been averted today by the Reichsvertretung der Juden in Deutschland, central Jewish representative body.

The schism was threatened by the demand of leaders of the Berlin Jewish community and of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Prussia for direct supervision of their communities over certain departments of the Reichsvertretung, especially the training school system.

It was settled by a compromise, and the Reichsvertretung, in session today, voted fullest confidence in its executive, headed by Rabbi Leo Bæck.

The Berlin leaders represent one-third of the entire Jewish population, and the Prussian Federation, 60 per cent of German Jewry, including Berlin. Their demands, which, if carried out, would eventually have led to dissolution of the Reichsvertretung, met with strong opposition from other Jewish communities.

At Tuesday’s meeting, out of twenty-one members, fourteen voted for a resolution expressing “unlimited confidence” in the Reichsvertretung. The other seven abstained from voting, including the six representatives of the Berlin Community. A committee of nine was appointed to draft proposals acceptable to both sides, a compromise which is considered to be a step toward liquidation of the internal crisis.

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