Waldman Hits Defection of Young Israel

The withdrawal of the Young Israel Council from the American Jewish Committee seems to be a part of a deliberate campaign of slander and vilification directed against the American Jewish Committee for partisan purposes, it was stated by Morris D. Waldman, secretary of the Committee, in a letter yesterday to the Young Israel Council.

Replying to the resolution of withdrawal adopted by Young Israel on Sunday, Mr. Waldman points out that the opposition of the American Jewish Committee to the World Jewish Congress was made public in 1932 without bringing any protest then from the Young Israel Council.

VIEWS REAFFIRMED

“These views on the World Jewish Congress were reaffirmed a month ago in the report of the Executive of the American Jewish Committee,” Mr. Waldman states, “and were upheld by delegates at our annual meeting at which Young Israel was represented. It is therefore surprising that at this time, three years after the Committee—on which your organization was represented — announced its opposition to the World Jewish Congress. Your Council, without advance notice, should withdraw from the Committee on this ground.”

“Your action,” the letter continues, “is all the more regrettable because, whether inspired or not, it seems to be part of a deliberate campaign of slander and vilification directed against the American Jewish Committee for partisan purposes. This propaganda has assailed the Committee for individual statements although it is well known that The American Jewish Committee, representing as it does, a large section of Jewish public opinion, makes its viewpoint known only by official public statements issued under its own name.

“ONLY COURSE”

“It is our confirmed opinion,” the letter adds, “that our stand on the World Jewish Congress is the only course that is consistent with our object of promoting the welfare of the Jews of the world. Our statement does not seek to intimidate Jews—a course which the Committee has never followed throughout its long history—but merely seeks to present as cogently as possible our objections. As to whether these are based on facts or upon ‘spectres’ I recommend that you consult our clippings on this subject. Our statement does not enjoin Jews from associating with their fellow Jews in other countries, but does urge against the specific method of the Congress.

“Most astounding is your statement with regard to the upbuilding of the Jewish National Home. This was not referred to in the report but surely you must be aware of the fact that the enlarged Jewish Agency was largely formed by members of our Executive Committee, a number of whom are still active in the Agency and have rendered enormous services both to the political, economic, and cultural work in Palestine. I feel sure from this part of your resolution alone that you have been misled by false statements as to the position of our Committee.

“It is of course your right to withdraw from association with the Committee, but it is not your right, especially as an organization of religious young men and women, to withdraw upon grounds which are contrary to the facts.”