Soviet Leaders Reported Becoming Aware of Jewish Problem in Russia

Dr. Nahum Goldmann, speaking in his capacity as president of the World Jewish Congress, told a conference here that as a result of various efforts, there seems to be a growing awareness among Soviet leaders that a Jewish problem exists in the Soviet Union and that this problem was not entirely equal to that of the manifold nationalities in Russia.

Dr. Goldmann also reviewed the situation of the Jews in other countries. In North Africa, he said, the Jews of Tunis and Morocco enjoy full citizenship rights and the governments of the two countries are interested in their Jewish communities, regarding them as important factors in the building of their countries.- He added that “certain tendencies even exist among the Jews to assimilate” in the North African states “since they see great economic and social possibilities for themselves in their ‘old-new’ fatherland.”

With regard to Algeria, Dr. Goldmann stated that in view of the complicated political situation there the Jewish position is “most delicate.” He denied categorically allegations that the World Jewish Congress had ties with the Algerian nationalists.

Commenting on the recent meeting in Rome of a number of major Jewish organizations from various countries, he hailed the meeting as a show of unity on the problems facing Jews in the USSR, Israel and North Africa. He called the Rome meeting “historic” and stressed the WJC role in bringing it about. Finally, he announced that he would propose an organizational set-up for the new body at the next meeting which is scheduled to be held in May.