Citing the “great danger” to Israel of Egypt’s massive arms purchases from Czechoslovakia, Jewish community leaders from 18 Western cities have called on the United States Government to “immediately enter into formal treaties with Israel and such of the Arab states as will commit themselves to preserve the peace.” The call to the U. S. came in the form of a resolution adopted at a regional conference of the Western States Region of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, embracing 11 states and Western Canada.
The parley further urged the raising of special funds, in addition to the regular campaigns, for an expected immigration of 45,000 North African Jews to Israel in 1956. The delegates also discussed planning for suburban developments and meeting suburban needs through a metropolitan approach. Robert E. Sinton of San Francisco was elected president of the region.
Philip Bernstein, executive director of the CJFWF, told the 250 community leaders that a strong American Jewry was needed to meet overseas responsibilities without sacrificing local needs. He reviewed the complex overseas situation and warned his listeners that American Jews could enjoy security and dignity at home only as there was security and dignity for Jews everywhere.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
