Union of American Hebrew Congregations Adopts Neutral Stand on Jewish Commonwealth

The Union of American Hebrew Congregations will refrain from taking any action on the resolution adopted by the American Jewish Conference calling for the establishment of a Jewish Commonwealth in Palestine, it was decided last night at a session of the executive board of the Union held at the Standard Club. A declaration adopted by the executive emphasizes that “the Union recognizes the right of each individual to determine his own attitude on this controversial question.” The text of the declaration reads as follows,

“The Union of American Hebrew Congregations declares that its function is to interpret, maintain and promote reform Judaism and reaffirms its loyalty to its spiritual purpose. The Union, continuing as a member of the American Jewish Conference, declares its sense of fellowship with all Israel and will associate itself with all worthy and practical efforts designed to ameliorate the tragic plight of world Jewry and to assist in reconstructing those communities that have suffered from the ravages of Nazi tyranny.

“Because in the congregations of the Union of American Hebrew congregations there are divergent opinions on the question of Zionism the Union recognizes the right of each individual to determine his own attitude on this controversial question and therefore the Union refrains from taking any action on the Palestine resolution adopted by the American Jewish Conference. We call upon our congregations and their members to rally loyally to the support of the Union so that its great and noble work pay continue to enrich the spiritual life of American Israel.”

Following the meeting of the U.A.H.C. executive, a public meeting was held at the Standard Club at which a Chicago Federation of Reform Synagogues was organized. Among those who addressed the organization meeting were Adolph Rosenberg, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregation, Rabbi Maurice N. Eisendrath, new director of U.A.H.C., Rabbi Solomon B. Freehof, president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Dr. S. Hollender, chairman of the organization Committee for the Chicago Federation and Rabbi Jonah B. Wise.