Plan Drive in New England

After a warm debate, a proposal of a joint campaign in this community for the benefit of the Joint Distribution Committee and for Palestine needs was accepted yesterday by fifty representatives of a number of Jewish organizations, including the American Jewish Congress, Associated Jewish Philanthropies, B’nai B’rith, Hadassah, Joint Distribution Committee and the Zionist Organization of American. Allocation of the procceds from the campaign will be on an equal basis.

The meeting was called by Louis E. Kirstein, Judge A. K. Cohen, Dr. B. M. Selekman and Judge J. J. Kaplanl. Dr. Selekman, dirsctor of Associated Jewish Philanthropies, opened the meeting with a statement that the jooint campaign should be held, but that final allocation of the funds should be designated by a committee which shall use its discretion in this matter.

This suggestion caused resentment at the gathering, with an overwhelming majority opposed to it. It was insisted that the Palestine campaign must be treated at least on a par with the Joint Distribution Committee. The Zionist Organization would not leave the matter to the committee but demanded an understanding before the commencement of the drive. A counder resolution to this effect was introduced by Elihu D. Stone.

Judge A. K. Cohen, urging a compromise, asked that boston be guided by the decision from New York. If this is found unacceptalbe, the local committee, he said. could meet again to decide upon a course of action. It was suggested that Jewish credition and the failure of mere relief programs in the past necessitate the recognition of the priority of the Palestine drive, but for the sake of unity and harmony, equality was acceded to.

Among those participating in the discussion were Ralph Bass, Sydnay Dreyfus, Samuel Kalesky, Max Nigrosh, Joseph Reder, Rabbi Joseph S. Shudow Mrs. Frieda Silbert Ullian, Jacob L. Wiseman and Judge Francis S. Wyner. Judge Jacob J. Kaplan presided.