Z.O.A. Four-day Meeting Formulates Plans for Extensive Activities

Plans for extensive activities in the fields of Hebrew education and participation in communal affairs were adopted today at the conclusion of the four-day meeting of the national executive council of the Zionist Organization of America,

A resolution was adopted to convene a national conference for the promotion of the teaching of Hebrew, with the participation of outstanding educators and teachers in the country. Other resolutions called for the establishment of leadership training courses and the creation of a large speakers’ corps to draw in the talents of the younger generation.

The ZOA leaders also adopted a resolution to establish a commission to deal with the development of a unified, representative organization to speak as the central authority for American Jewry; the widening of the scope of Jewish community councils to embrace all aspects of local Jewish community life; support of Jewish day schools as the most effective educational media for Jewish survival; and a more equitable distribution of the communal income for Jewish activities with a view towards securing fair allocation for Jewish education, schools and Hebrew culture.

Another resolution called for the promotion of one or two-year study or work programs for young adults in Israel and the stimulation and encouragement of interest in aliyah among young people. This resolution also hailed the promotion of ZOA tours to Israel.

Addressing the session last night, Dr. Emanual Neumann, president of the World Confederation of General Zionists, urged the American Zionist movement “to abandon, once and for all, apologetic and defensive attitudes and resume a vigorous counter-offensive against all enemies and traducers of whatever stripe within and without the Jewish fold. “

Dr. Neumann stated that he has confidence in President Kennedy’s determination to deal with “the explosive situation in the Middle East” vigorously and constructively. “But,” he added, “it must be said that time presses and the tide of events moves on relentlessly. The issue of peace in the Middle East merits a position of high priority and calls for Presidential initiative at the earliest possible moment.”