The World Jewish Congress decided today to organize a world conference on Ladino “to celebrate and honor the Sephardic heritage” of the Jewish people. This decision was taken this morning by the WJC Governing Board which is currently meeting here with the participation of 56 delegates from 24 countries.
The cultural commission of the Board approved a plan for the publication of a uniform series of Jewish classics in English, Hebrew, French and Spanish. The Cultural Department of the WJC will appoint a small committee of scholars to select and prepare for the works due for publication. The Governing Board is also due to approve a project providing for the establishment of a permanent research commission which will be responsible for the work of the Institute of Jewish Affairs.
The provisional commission on research also suggested a study on “new forms of anti-Semitism,” particularly those originating from Soviet, Arab, Third World and New Left sources, often in the guise of anti-Zionism.
Part of the discussion last night centered on the continued existence of the Conference of Jewish Organizations (COJO), which many delegates felt was no longer necessary in view of the British Board of Deputies’ decision to join the WJC and the negotiations currently in progress with the B’nai B’rith International Committee.
The Governing Board is chaired by Philip M. Klutznick of Chicago. Attending the meeting is WJC President Nahum Goldmann. Israeli Minister of Interior Yosef Burg and Jewish Agency Executive chairman Yosef Almogi are due to join the delegates. The Board’s meeting will conclude tomorrow night with a commemorative session marking its 40th anniversary.
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