Continued and intensified action by Federal authorities in investigating acts of violence in Florida against Jews, Negroes and Catholics is urged in a resolution adopted here at a two-day joint meeting of the National Administrative Committee and the Executive Committee of the American Jewish Congress. About 200 members from 70 cities participated in the meeting which concluded last night.
Declaring that all Americans fully recognize the need for internal security measures to provide safeguards against persons and movements who act to subvert the democratic system and national defense, another resolution by the joint meeting stated that Federal, state and municipal legislation has in many instances “gone far beyond what can reasonably be regarded as necessary for defense against sabotage and espionage.”
The American Jewish Congress resolution called upon all public organizations “to contribute to the preservation of our democratic heritage by stimulating their memberships to an awareness of the present crisis in civil liberties. Such awareness is essential if the American people is to participate intelligently and effectively in the democratic process.”
The joint meeting also called on the New York State Board of Regents to rescind its recent proposal that every public school day begin with the recitation of a prayer, on the grounds that it would result in introducing into the public school system influences and pressures which would threaten the existence of the non-sectarian public school.
Dr. David Petegorsky, executive director of the American Jewish Congress, said that the American people must insist that the pre-election promises by leaders of the major political parties in the field of human rights and civil liberties be matched by “substantive and meaningful pre-election performance rather than post-election apologies.” Members of the United States Congress still have ample opportunity during the present session of Congress to enact legislation which will prove that they mean what they say when they talk about guarantees of full equality and freedoms for all people, he pointed out.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
