A statement of the Zionist Organization of America on its attitude toward Jewish relief work in connection with the United Jewish Campaign and on the present situation in Palestine will be issued today, it was learned yesterday following the first meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Zionist Organization of America, which was held Sunday at the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City.
This statement will be issued by the Administrative Committee on the authorization of the Executive Committee in conjunction with a special committee appointed at Sunday’s session.
The meeting took place under the chairmanship of Louis Lipsky, president of the organization.
Although the committee met in executive session it was disclosed that a lengthy discussion developed concerning the recent controversy between the Zionist Organization and the Joint Distribution Committee, at a question raised by Reverend Z. H. Masliansky Mr. Lipsky, it is reported, declared that the Zionist Organization of America has never been opposed to Jewish relief work and that any interpretation given of its attitude which differs worm this is not in accordance with fact. The Zionists, he said were the first to welcome the renewal of American Jewish relief work. The Zionists throughout the country were also actively engaged in the relief campaigns. The Zionist Organization has always sought the peaceful cooperation of all parts of Jewry and wishes the same to be true in the future.
Several members of the Executive Committee participated in the discussion following which a committee was chosen to express the views of the Organization on the subject. The committee consists of Rabbi Max Heller, Mrs. Anna Cross, S. Dingol, Abraham Goldberg and Ephraim Kaplan. This committee, in conjunction with the Administration Committee, will prepare the statement.
Dr. Stephen S. Wise reported on the proceedings of the Zionist Actions Committee meeting in London, dwelling particularly on the progress of the Hebrew University reported to the meeting of the Board of Governors. Dr. Wise expressed the opinion that it is the duty of the Zionist Organization that it maintain the moral sovereignty over the university.
Mr. Lipsky gave extensive details of the formation of the Zionist center group which is to coordinate the activities of the organization in Palestine and add strength to the movement. He laid particular stress on the fact that the policy of the executive must be directed by the higher national interests without yielding to the demands of the various factions. He stressed the importance of providing a fair chance for the Orthodox element, centering around the Mizrachi organization, which is, he stated, entitled to instill into Jewish life in Palestine those Jewish traditions which are vital to Jewish life.
The committee also decided to take steps to establish in Palestine an information bureau for tourists and a bureau for Palestine commercial, industrial and agricultural affairs. Max Schwartz was elected director of the bureau.
Emanuel Neumann reported on the preparations for the forthcoming United Palestine Appeal and expressed his confidence that the appeal for $7,500,000 would be crowned with success.
Committees in New York and throughout the country are already active. It was also learned that Rabbi Jacob Sonderling was appointed director of the Association for Jewish Culture, formed at a conference in New York City.
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