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U.S. Jewry Can Meet Domestic and Overseas Needs with Equal Generosity, Leader Says

September 21, 1949
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“American Jewry has the resources to meet both its domestic and overseas responsibilities,” Philip M. Klutznick of Chicago told the closing session of the biennial meeting of the executive committee of the Jewish Center Division of the National Jewish Welfare Board at the Hotel Commodore last night.

The meeting, attended by 50 leaders from all sections of the country, was presided over by Mr. Klutznick, chairman of the J.W.B.’s Jewish Center Division Committee. “The fear in some circles, “Mr. Klutznick said, “that the American Jewish community cannot meet, with equal generosity and comparable understanding, its parellel responsibilities for Jewish overseas and domestic communal welfare needs impugns both the wisdom and intelligence of American Jewish leadership.” Both jobs are closely related, he declared, emphasizing that American Jewry “has the resources to do both.”

The Jewish community of this country, he continued, will be psychologically unable to do what it has to do in Israel and Europe “if it does not at the same time strengthen its own cultural, spiritual and welfare resources. Any retrogression in these areas will do inestimable damage to the cause of Jews overseas. All national and local Jewish agencies, whether engaged in relief and reconstruction, religious and educational work, or culture and recreation–in this country or abroad–contribute to the welfare of Jewish life,” he stated. “The funds raised by the American Jewish community must therefore be furnished to all elements in Jewish life which uphold the common cause.”

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