Wjc Condemns Soviet Anti-semitism; Dr. Goldmann: All Israelis Favor Just Peace

The World Jewish Congress Executive sent Independence Day greetings to Israel today and expressed “deep regret” that “the Oberammergau Passion Play perpetuates the traditional text which is offensive to the Jewish people.” The WJC Executive condemned “the violent anti-Jewish propaganda in the Soviet Union” and urged the Moscow government to facilitate the emigration to Israel of those Russian Jews who wish to go there. It expressed “admiration for the Jews in the Soviet Union who adhere to their Jewishness tenaciously and courageously” and demanded “the release of those who have been imprisoned for this reason.” The WJC condemned “the continued brutal persecution and discrimination against Jewish communities in Iraq, Egypt and Syria.” br. Nahum Goldmann said here yesterday that he would not discuss his differences with Israeli and Zionist leaders outside of Israel. He declared:

“My own commitment to Israel overrides any political argument regarding the means and efforts of achieving peace which prevails between some members of the government and myself. Nor can any ideological argument between myself and some of my old colleagues in the Zionist movement in any way affect my own commitment to Israel and Zionism.” Dr. Goldmann. president of the World Jewish Congress, speaking at the opening of a meeting of the WJC Executive here said, “the escalation of Soviet military intervention in the Middle East and the increased guerrilla activity along Israel’s frontiers demonstrate how necessary it is to maintain and increase the support of the diaspora for Israel.” Dr. Goldmann said, “I have come from Israel convinced that the aims and desires of the government and of the people of Israel are for an early and just peace with Israel’s Arab neighbors. On this there are no dissenters. The whole of the government and all Israelis are deeply attached to this aim.” Dr. Goldmann continued, “It is my intention, as president of the World Jewish Congress, to continue to urge all Jewish communities and organizations in the world to intensify their efforts in defense of Israel.”