Synagogue Services Mark Anniversary of Czechoslovakian Independence

The twenty-third anniversary of Czechoslovakian independence, which will be celebrated tomorrow, was marked by ceremonies in the St. John’s Wood synagogue here yesterday.

Rabbi H. Stransky, formerly chief rabbi of Zilina, delivered the sermon while the prayer for the fallen was recited by Lieutenant A. Kraus, Jewish chaplain of the Czechoslovak forces. Dr. Hubert Ripka represented President Benes at the services and several Czech Ministers were also present. Dr. L. Zolmanovic represented the National Council of Czechoslovakian Jews of which he is president. Meanwhile today the Federation of Czechoslovakian Jews sent a message to Benes in connection with the anniversary, in which they pledged their loyalty to the “cause of our country, which for twenty years was an island of religious freedom in a Europe torn by racial hatreds.”