To War on Anti-semitism with Knowledge is Her Plan

“I disagree with those who deny the existence of anti-Semitism in this country. Anti-Semitism exists and we must combat it. Not in a belligerent sense; for this isn’t a fight. But I do mean to build up our Jewish community so that it is fool-proof against anti-Semitism. I want to educate our Jewish women so that they can refute anti-Semitic arguments with facts; so that their speech be activated by knowledge rather than by emotion. We realize that the time has come when we as Jewish women must be informed on the reasons for anti-Semitism; on how and with what to refute anti-Semitic arguments.” so declared Mrs. Maurice L. Goldman of 1155 Park avenue, chairman of the executive committee of the National Council of Jewish Women.

Mrs. Godman is director of the national eductional program to combat anti-Semitism which was recently launched by the National Coucil of Jewish Women. This program is inspired by the purposes of scientific and accurate investigation. A thorough study will be made and the project will be carried forward in 200 centers. Local study groups will distribute literature to libraties and arrange community lectures.

TO WAR WITH KNOWLEDGE

Study courses will be based not only upon the history of the Jews, but also upon what noted anthropologists, economists, sociologists and psychologists have to say about the contributions of the Jews to world progress. They plan through education to form a united front against race prejudice and tolerance toward minority groups.

Invitations sent to a thousand women, leaders in various communities throughout the country to join this group brought immediate and enthusiastic responses and resulted in the formation of the Committee of One Thousand. These women will lead the work in their communities. Mrs. Alexander Kohut of New York is chairman of this committee.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Mrs. Goldman has worked with the council for many years. Her educational background equips her to prepare these courses of study. The material for the first course of study, gathered only after many weeks of discussion and conferences, deals with the history of anti-Semitism and is ready to be sent out, according to the “Professor of the Extension Division” as Mrs. Goldman smilingly calls herself.

At the University of Missouri, from which she is a graduate, Mrs. Goldman taught mathematics for some time. In her undergraduate days she was known as the young and beautiful mathematics wizard. Later, in Houston, Texas, where she was married, she took an active part in the educational field as the only Jewish member of the Board of Education. She was instrumental in developing a curriculum for the schools which received favorable commendation from national educators.

KU KLUX FOUGHT HER

It was in Houston ten years ago that Mrs. Goldman faced, if not her first, at least her most critical meeting with anti-Semitism, when the Ku Klux Klan tried to oust her from the School Board. So precarious was her position that for some time a private guard accompanied her wherever she went. She points to it as an illustration of the existence of anti-Semitism. Of those skeptical few who still doubt, she sharply asks, “Have you read Liberation?”

“It’s not a fight, this problem of ours,” she says. “It’s merely that we, because of knowledge, should be able to live differently. It is important that we women and mothers should be informed particularly about the manner in which to refute and combat anti-Semitism.”

Mrs. Goldman has been in New York for the past six years. “This job and taking care of my children (she has a family of three boys) is all I can do,” she said, while a lovely black Scottie continued to ignore the entire subject, and slept on at his mistress’ feet.