World Conference Work Gratifies Jewish Leaders; Basis of Wider Effort Seen

General satisfaction with the achievements of the world conference for the relief of German Jews, which concluded here last night, was felt today by Jewish leaders here. The air of doubt which surrounded the opening of the conference in which forty-five of the most important Jewish organizations of Europe and the United States participated, was completely dissipated to be replaced by a strong optimism over the potential possibilities for determined action resulting from the conference’s accomplishments and the almost unprecedented united Jewish cooperation.

Dr. Chaim Weizmann, head of the Zionist campaign for the relief of German Jews by settlement in Palestine, indicated that the conference just terminated had laid the gound-work for greater activity in behalf of the German Jews and would be followed by other parleys, although admitting that for the present, activities would be limited solely to relief. Nevertheless, he pointed out, in the long run, charity is not the solution of present Jewish problems.

Leaders from various countries, in the public session which concluded the conference, expressed their satisfaction with the achievements of the conference. Among the speakers were Chief Rabbi Angelo Sacerdoti of Rome, who sharply attacked Nazism as a misconception of Fascism. The latter seeks the unity of all citizens while the former sought to create divisions, he pointed out. Rabbi Lewin, speaking in behalf of the Agudath Israel, orthodox Jewish organization, acclaimed the conference work and Berl Katzenelson, Zionist labor leader, speaking in behalf of the Vaad Leumi, Jewish National Council of Palestine, in a striking address, stressed the importance of Palestine in any scheme as the only country not only able to offer financial assistance to refugees, but also to offer them shelter and means of livelihood. Other speakers at the closing session included representatives of the Swiss Jewish communities, the Polish Zionists, and D. Cohen, representing Dutch Jewry.

In addition to a plan of organization for coordinating relief activities and ensuring the cooperation of Jewish agencies in the various countries in their relief efforts the conference resolved to recommend to the British government the appointment of Lord Robert Cecil, noted statesman, as British member of the autonomous governing body being set up by the League of Nations to direct the relief work on an international scale. Lord Robert’s name had been mentioned for the high commissionership to which James G. McDonald of New York was appointed, and more recently, for chairman of the governing body.