The South African Jewish Board at Deputies closed its biennial congress here today with a decision to expand is services particularly in the fields of public relations aimed at promoting goodwill between Jews and pen have in this country and in expanding its Jewish culture and youth programs.
Among the resolutions adopted by the Beard was one reaffirming the loyalty of the Jewish community to South Africa and expressing the hope that the Republic would continue its progress to benefit all its people. The Beard also reaffirmed the community’s cultural and religious ties with Israel and pledged all possible assistance to the humanitarian work of immigrant settlement in Israel.
Another resolution expressed “grave concern regarding the plight of Soviet Jewis” and urged that the free world bring pressure to bear againt the USSR to allow religious at cultural freedom and to permit immigration to Israel where desired.
The Board also called upon the South African Government to ban the entry of Nazi into this country in the same way that Communists are barred. Dr. Teddy Schneider, out-going chairman of the Board, was elected president, succeeding Naomi Phillips who was named national chairman of the United Communal Fund.
A bitter controversy between Orthodox and Reform factions which had plagued the South African Jewish community for years was formally ended with the announcement at the biannual congress of an agreement between Rabbi Bernard Casper, Orthodox Cleat Rabbi, and Reforme Chief Rabbi Arthur S. Super, to cooperate in the secular field. While recognizing the irreconcilable theological differences between the two groups, the agreement provides for cooperation in secular affairs and in the ministration by chaplains to Jewish servicemen.
Addressing the congress, Johannesburg Mayor Ateck Jaffe extemied a civic welcome to the delegates, declaring that the occasion was an important one not only for the Jewish community but for the country at large because the Jews played a prominent part in all fields of public endeaver. Israel Consul General Bov Sinai brought greetings from Israel. Prof. Arych Tartakover of the Hebrew University also addressed the conference.
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