Asserting that we have seen wave after wave of tragedy engulf the small peace-loving peoples of Europe, Governor Herbert H. Lehman, honorary chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, declared yesterday in a nationwide broadcast over the Mutual network that “we cannot adopt a policy of watchful waiting in the matter of rescuing defenseless human beings who are imperilled by war or oppression.”
Governor Lehman, together with General Hugh S. Johnson, former NRA administrator, and Fannie Hurst, the novelist, participated in the broadcast, which marked the opening of U.J.A. campaigns in many cities. Governor Lehman paid tribute to the “exemplary channels of human reconstruction” established by the Joint Distribution Committee, the United Palestine Appeal and the National Refugee Service.
While the overwhelming impact of sudden and sweeping disaster might well give rise to a mood of despair, Governor Lehman said as long as men of good will continue to express their sympathy in terms of concrete relief and reconstructive action, “there is hope for the world of tomorrow. Stressing that we cannot wait until peace is restored before embarking on any program of war relief and refugee assistance, the Governor declared that “we cannot delay our errand of mercy without sacrificing countless additional lives.”
General Johnson said: “…mankind in the mass and possibly by the millions has been driven foodless, and without shelter into congested, impoverished, stripped and barren areas to starve, freeze or perish by disease and without regard to age, sex or physical condition. If I were an American Jew it would be an almost overwhelming impulse with me to seek to bring the majesty and the strength of my country into this conflict to the rescue of my people.”
Miss Hurst said: “Do not relax too smugly, nor view your universe too complacently. Beyond your well-tilled meadows; functioning dams; modern railroads; intolerance and cruelty, deprivation and worse, are stalking the world this afternoon.” She appealed to America to “open its minds and hearts” to those who have been deprived of their inalienable rights.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
