President Truman and Presidential candidates Gov. Adlai Stevenson and Gen. Dwight Eisenhower today released Rosh Hashanah messages to the Jewish people through the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. The President’s message states:
“To all Americans of the Jewish faith, I extend congratulations on the occasion of the Jewish New Year and cordial good wishes for the year ahead.
“In extending greetings at this time. I am mindful that you have contributed greatly to our general welfare in many ways. I know that all of you are determined to do all that you can to see that our country continues free, strong and prosperous. I am convinced that so long as we maintain our common unity of purpose, our future is secure.”
In his message, Gov. Stevenson asserted: “The eyes of many Americans of the Jewish faith are turned toward the Nation of Israel. They may be justly proud, both as citizens of a Democracy and as members of a Great Faith, to see in that homeland an infant nation, struggling through its first breaths of independence, and growing stronger daily. Democracy and freedom are enshrined there. Faith in justice, in human dignity and in Government under law are warmly held there. Above all, a haven for the oppressed and persecuted from many lands is afforded here.
“Nowhere in the world are more generous arms extended to those seeking refuge from tribulation. Free peoples the world over should heed and follow the example of selflessness which the Nation of Israel holds up to them. They should aid and strengthen this Nation just as it is aiding those who come to it for help.
“Here in America we should pay tribute to the spirit which Israel represents not merely by words but by deeds-by strengthening our Democracy; by waging an unceasing battle against discrimination and bigotry; by preserving freedom of thought, freedom of association and freedom to worship as each man pleases.”
Greeting the Jewish people, Gen. Eisenhower said; “Whatever our racial origins, the people of America are connected by many bridges. We Americans share one another’s experiences of joy and celebration, of distress and anxieties. At this season of the year come the solemn and meaningful days of the Jewish calendar which bear a message of repentance and atonement for all mankind. May that spiritual renewal and resolution for the achievement of good permeate the hearts of all people.”
He added that “here in America we have watched the establishment and the development of the modern State of Israel. This, too, is part of the miraculous history of the Jewish people. I look forward confidently to the progress of democracy in Israel, to the stabilization of her economy, and her growing contributions to the free world. I devoutly hope that there will develop a sound and lasting friendship particularly between her and the nations of that region-to the end that all may profit out of close trade, cultural and diplomatic relations. I have looked, and shall continue to look, with a sympathy to the efforts of the State of Israel to achieve objectives vital to world peace and important to the future and destiny of the oppressed of the Jewish people.
“There is growing an ever firmer friendship between America and Israel. It will be an enduring friendship based upon a common role and a mutual concern in the troubled world of our day. Basic to this friendship are the aspirations we share in common with all freedom-loving people, a devotion to freedom, not as a negative or static thing, but as a dynamic force for the betterment of mankind.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
