“As there is a visible decline in interest of Jewish students in the New Left and most of them are now looking for new ideas, it is the duty of Zionists to inspire them with the dedication for Israel.” That is the philosophy of Dr. Leon Kronitz, the educator and writer and newly appointed executive vice-president of the Canadian Zionist Federation–the highest position in Canadian Zionism. “We have to make a strong effort to bring back youth to the Zionist fold,” Dr. Kronitz said in an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
To this end, the Zionist leader envisages an educational framework unprecedented in North America: a college for Jewish studies under Zionist auspices where students can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees–but must spend six to 12 months in Israel to perfect their knowledge of that country.
MAIN THRUST TO INSPIRE ALIYA
Dr. Kronitz, who was born in Poland 54 years ago, said that with few Jewish boys and girls interested in Zionism, he wants to direct his efforts toward addressing selective Zionist literature to those apathetic or alien to the problems facing the Jewish conscious. He also pointed to the important role Zionists should play in raising funds for Israel.
His main thrust, Dr. Kronitz said, will be to inspire aliya by Canadian Jews of all ages, primarily through education from elementary school through university, because “there is no Jewish identity without Zionism.” He added: “Israel has to pull them in because American diaspora is not pushing them out.”
Dr. Kronitz is also principal of the Solomon Schechter Academy here, chairman of the National Executive of the Canadian Jewish Congress, and a member of the Action Committee of the World Council of the World Zionist Organization. As CZF executive director, he will also serve as national director of its new Education Department. The holder of a doctorate in education from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Dr. Kronitz has lived in Canada since 1938.
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