World Zionist Organization Will Demand Partnership Status from Israel Government

Dr. Nahum Goldmann, chairman of the American Section of the Jewish Agency, today told a press conference that the World Zionist Organization will seek a “moral and legal” status as a partner of the government of Israel in the task of building the Jewish state.

“The establishment of the state of Israel has naturally brought about fundamental changes in the task and position of the World Zionist Organization and of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, which is its chief administrative body,” Dr. Goldmann said. “Those who are convinced that a strong Zionist movement is needed to assist in the consolidation of the Jewish state and in the ingathering of the exiles, and, above all, to cement and maintain the relationship between the Jews all over the world and the state, must work out a new basis for the status and function of the Zionist Organization.

“The Zionist movement can only be revitalized if Israel recognizes it as representative of the Jewish people in matters dealing with the Jewish state, and if it is given moral and legal status as a partner of Israel in upbuilding the state. Such recognition would not limit in any way the sovereignty of Israel. It would be rather, a status given voluntarily by the people and the government of Israel. It would not imply in any way the political allegiance to Israel of Jews of other nations,” Dr. Goldmann pointed out.

Dr. Goldmann is scheduled to leave tomorrow for a brief stay in Europe, after which he will proceed to Israel for a series of discussions with the executive of the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem and with leaders of the Zionist parties and members of the government. In Europe, Dr. Goldmann will open the annual United Israel Campaigns in Belgium and France and participate in several functions of the Combined Palestine Appeal in Great Britain. He is also scheduled to see John J. McCloy, American High Commissioner for Germany, on questions relating to German restitution to Jews.