Stimson, Knox Hail Welfare Board’s ‘Splendid Work’

Meeting in its 24th annual convention the Jewish Welfare Board today heard messages of praise from War Secretary Henry L. Stimson and Navy Secretary Frank Knox on the "splendid work accomplished in behalf of the American soldier and sailor."

Stimson, expressing faith in the outcome of the struggle, called on Jewish youth "to understand the issues involved" and to contribute their services to the defense program. Col. Knox declared in his message that "when civilization stands at the crossroads, coordination of all groups, morally, physically is imperative."

President Frank Weil, in his annual report, stressed the Board’s unprecedented achievement in organizing, in a period of only a few months, 158 army army and navy committees in 148 communities serving the social, religious and recreational needs of Jews in the American armed forces.

"The entire Jewish community rallied to this undertaking," Weil said, pointing out that 34 leading national organizations were affiliated with the army and navy committees. Now that the Welfare Board is one of the six constituent agencies of the United Service Organization, a feature of its work is the appointment of religious activity committees comprising leading rabbis working under the leadership of Dr. David de Sola Pool, he declared.

Weil reported that the Board has handled 10,476 personal welfare cases of disabled veterans, their dependents and beneficiaries. He also cited the growth of the community centers movement, 323 centers with a total membership of 400,000 being affiliated with the board.

Speakers at the opening session last night included Prof. Morris R. Cohen of Chicago University and Rabbi Edward Israel, president of the Synagogue Council of America. Round-table discussions this morning were conducted by Edgar Kaufman, George Myer and Michael A. Stavitsky.