Says Community Leaders Showing Active Interest in J. D. C. Campaign

Despite local conditions and the recognition of community needs, sectarian and non-sectarian, Jewish community leaders throughout the South and Midwest are maintaining an active interest and sympathy in the Joint Distribution Committee’s program of emergency relief and rehabilitation among the destitute Jews of Eastern and Central Europe, Isador Coons, national director of field service, declared yesterday on his return from an organization tour through the big cities of nine states.

“In every city which I visited,” Mr. Coons stated, “I found the leaders of the Jewish community actively participating in the meeting of the problems virtually at their door-steps, giving freely of their time and funds in alleviating the distress of their neighbors. Yet, none of these leaders were too pre-occupied with their labors to disregard the appalling situation of their co-religionists abroad and many of them pledged themselves to renewed activity in behalf of the Joint Distribution Committee’s program.

“Many of them, associated with the Committee since its establishment in 1914, are ardent supporters of the belief that the Committee must be maintained as an established world Jewish relief organization prepared to meet emergencies among the Jews everywhere and at all times. I found that Jewish leaders concern themselves seriously with the world problems of their co-religionists,” Mr. Coons declared, “and their manifest desire to help the less fortunate is truly gratifying.”