U.S. Policy Evokes “feeling of Isolation” in Israel, Goldmann Says

Israel’s hopes for an early peace with the Arab states have been "shattered" by the "intransigeant attitude of the Arab world, the mounting tensions along her border and the overt pro-Arab policy of the Soviet Union and the Soviet satellites, " Dr. Nahum Goldmann, chairman of the Jewish Agency said tonight, addressing the annual dinner sponsored by the American Jewish Congress on behalf of the United Jewish Appeal at the Hotel Pierre.

Although Israelis are careful not to reach any hasty conclusions in interpreting America’s policy in the Middle East, "the vague and often vacillating policy of the United States" contributes to "a feeling of isolation" in Israel. Dr. Goldmann delivered the speech just a week after his return from a recent trip to Israel and several hours after conferring in Washington with Assistant Secretary of State Henry A. Byroade.

The major portion of Dr. Goldmann’s speech was devoted to statements which Mr. Byroade had made in an address in Dayton, Ohio, April 19. Dr. Goldmann praised Mr. Byroade’s statements as an honest effort to strike a balance between Israel and the Arab states, although decisions such as arming the Arab states baffle Israel and are the cause of anxiety. He replied sharply to Mr. Byroade’s advice to the Israelis that they should "come to truly look upon yourselves as a Middle Eastern state rather than as a headquarters – or nucleus so to speak – of world-wide groupings of peoples of a religious faith."

Charging that Mr. Byroade has accepted on this issue, unwittingly perhaps, the "theories and concepts of the American Council for Judaism which represents a tiny minority of American Jews," Dr. Goldmann said:

"It is not the function nor the business of the State Department, nor any of its spokesmen, to advise Jewish communities on their relations to Israel. The American Jewish community must reject any attempt, from whatever quarter and whatever source, to interfere in such problems. The relationship between the Jewish people and Israel has the profoundest religious, moral and intellectual and spiritual significance. American democracy has always been characterized by great reverence for relationships of this nature between the diverse components of its citizenry and historic groups."

SOBELOFF CALLS FOR VIGILANCE ON THE AMERICAN SCENE

United States Solicitor-General Simon E. Sobeloff, making his first major address at the dinner since his induction into office, called for "vigilance to preserve our liberties not only from those who go over to the enemy, but from misguided persons at both extremes: those who are asleep upon their watch and those whose zeal as they stand watch leads them into error that may prove no less destructive."

Expressing gratification over the progress that has been made in the extension of civil rights, the Solicitor-General declared that the establishing of equal rights has become a prime concern of government. He praised the work of private agencies such as the American Jewish Congress, working for the advancement of human rights. "They are an indigenous part of American life. They are repositories of rich spiritual resources. They stimulate the people, nourish government policy and are the well-springs of community action."

He called for maximum support of the United Jewish Appeal which he said has been a major instrument in alleviating Jewish suffering throughout the world and assisting in Israel’s development. Citing Israel’s "thrilling achievements and great needs, its exciting prospects and staggering burdens, " the Solicitor-General said that "Israel is, and can increasingly become a center of democratic strength and inspiration for the entire Middle East."

Dr. Israel Goldstein, president of the American Jewish Congress, pointed out in his address that "arms shipments to the Arab countries serve only to heighten tension in the Middle East because they threaten Israel’s security." He said that the Arab states have repeatedly made it clear that they are seeking the liquidation of Israel.

"The Arab states have not particularly distinguished themselves either for their love and practice of democracy and their commitments to freedom. I therefore earnestly hope that our government will reconsider its decision to provide arms to the Arab states at least until such time as they have actually begun negotiations with Israel for the establishment of a permanent and durable peace, " he declared.