A seven-point program for strengthening of Zionism and of orthodox Judaism in the United States during the coming year was outlined tonight by Leon Gellman in his presidential message opening the 24th annual convention of the Mizrachi Zionist Organization of America at the St. Charles Hotel.
The program calls for “maximum support” of Palestine, raising of $100,000 for the Machlekat Hecheradim Jewish National Fund project, building of new centers of Jewish learning in the United States, creation of a cultural institute “to enrich American Judaism with new religious and literary treasures,” organization of Jewish youth, widening of the activities of the Committee for Strengthening Torah and Education and strengthening of Mizrachi’s Board of Education.
Gellman criticized Britain as not fulfilling her duty towards the Zionists. “We must make the public declaration that it is absurd to preach democracy and human freedom and the rights of minorities and small nations while the elementary rights of our own heavily-burdened people are openly flouted,” he said. He also called for the moving of Zionism’s center from London to Washington.
Also on the speakers’ list tonight were Chief Rabbi Isaac Herzog of Palestine; Rabbi Jacob Levinson, former president of Mizrachi; Rabbi Wolf Gold, chairman of the Mizrachi World Executive; Rabbi Moshe Shapiro of Atlantic City; Gedalia Bublick, honorary president of Mizrachi; and Rabbi Jacob Hoffman of New York.
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