Relations Between Jews and Non-jews in Argentina ‘peaceful” Last Year, Daia Reports

Peaceful relation between Jews and non-Jews in Argentina marked the Hebrew year just concluded, Dr. Ricardo Drubrovsky, president of the DAIA–central representative body of Argentine Jews–told the group’s annual general assembly today. Delegates to the parley decided to postpone for a fortnight elections for the DAIA’s new executive in order to establish a “broad agreement among the different Jewish groups” in Argentina.

The DAIA president declared that during the past 12-month period only a small number of anti-Semitic acts took place in this country. Dr. Drubrovsky maintained that with regard to immigration, Jews were still being discriminated against. He voiced the hope that President Juan Peron’s recent promise to eliminate discrimination would be implemented. The DAIA leader also declared that Argentine Jewry was expecting an executive directive that would make any anti-Semitic act in Argentina a criminal offense punishable by law.

Argentina’s recognition of Israel and the exchange of diplomatic relations between the two nations highlighted the year’s events, Dr. Drubrovsky added. The DAIA, he said, will continue to support the World Jewish Congress. Emphasizing the need for continuation of the activities conducted by the DAIA, he urged Jewish groups to increase their financial support of the organization which, he stated, faces a grave financial crisis.

The DAIA president concluded his report with a strong appeal for support of the United Israel Campaign and warned against support of any splinter drives. The conference, by a 75-17 vote, adopted a resolution–against the vehement opposition of the Communist minority–to bar from any DAIA executive office any persons who did not contribute to the United Israel Campaign. The assembly urged the DAIA president, who ended his report with an appeal for unity, to seek to persuade the Jewish Communists from going on with a separate campaign.