The anti-Jewish events in South America and the reaction they provoked in public opinion on the American continent were discussed here today at the opening session of a two-day extraordinary meeting of the South American executive of the World Jewish Congress. Delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay are participating in the parley.
Dr. Moises Goldman, who presided, reviewed the events and stressed the widespread public reaction against Nazi infiltration in the countries of South America. He also reported that Catholic authorities in Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay had received cordially a memorandum presented by the World Conference of Jewish Organizations to the Vatican in connection with the forthcoming Ecumenical Council and that the authorities had promised their support for the Jewish suggestions. No audience has yet been asked with Cardinal Caggiano in Argentina because of the prelate’s illness.
Mark Turkow, secretary of the executive, reported on World Jewish Congress steps against anti-Semitic manifestations in South America. In an analysis of recent outbreaks, he said there was abundant evidence of the influence of European Nazis and Arabs in the outrages against Jews. He also reported that for the first time, the Arab League had started a boycott against Israel in South America with threats against travel agencies for stimulating tours to Israel.
General Joseph Avidar, the Israeli Ambassador, discussed the consolidation of Israel’s economy and referred to the increment of immigration to Israel from South American countries developing from recent events.
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