U.S. Asked to Protect Rights of American Jews in Arab Countries

A resolution calling on the United States Government to “immediately abrogate any agreements between this country and any nation which practices discrimination against American citizens,” was unanimously adopted here last night at the 47th annual national convention of B’nai Zion. More than 500 delegates are attending the parley.

The resolution sharply criticized the “obvious condoning by the American Government of the Arab states refusal to recognize American passports held by American Jews” and the Arab states “blacklisting of American firms having business relations with Israel or owned by Jews or employing Jews.” The delegates noted the government’s traditional obligation to guarantee equality and protection for all citizens and to act against economic boycott of American firms or citizens by any nation which has diplomatic relations with the U.S. or which receives aid from this country.

In another unanimous resolution, the delegates urged the Administration to demonstrate “real dynamic leadership” by “insisting upon true, fair and just negotiations between Israel and the Arab states to bring about a lasting peace between them and to fortify the Middle East against Communist aggression.” In still another resolution, the convention charged the U.S. with “shipping arms to Arab countries and denying even defensive arms to Israel” which, it said, threatened the very existence of Israel and the peace which was further endangered by Communist arms shipments to the Arabs. The delegates insisted that it would be in America’s “best interests” to sell Israel sufficient arms immediately.

Nathaniel S. Rothenberg of New York was elected unanimously national president of B’nai Zion. He succeeds Justice Arthur Markevich, the retiring president.