The first Inter-American Jewish Congress concluded tonight after adopting resolutions defining Jewish peace aims, outlining plans for Jewish representation at the post-war peace conference, demanding a Jewish military unit in Palestine and a Jewish Commonwealth there and lauding President Roosevelt for the initiative he has taken in organizing the Inter-Governmental Committee for the purpose of solving refugee problems.
The conference also voted to perpetuate itself in the form of a permanent organization to be known as the Inter-American Jewish Council, which will meet biannually in different countries of the Western Hemisphere.
On the question of Jewish representation at the peace conference, the delegates here adopted a resolution stating that no effort to solve the Jewish problem can be successful except on the basis of full consultation with a democratically elected Jewish leadership. It recommended the establishment of a united Jewish representation, elected by democratic procedures and authorized to speak on behalf of the Jewish people at any peace conference.
At the closing sessions the delegates reaffirmed the determination of the Jewish people to seek redress for all the wrongs inflicted upon them by Hitlerism and expressed the hope that those governments now fighting aggression will create a system of international law that will guarantee rights in the new world to those of every race, creed and faith.
Another peace aim adopted by the conference was the establishment of a Jewish Commonwealth in Palestine as an integral part of any peace settlement. “Warm, fraternal greetings” were sent by the conference to the Yishub together with a pledge to continue the fight for a Jewish military unit.
Final resolutions adopted by delegates from all the Americas promised a continued fight against anti-Semitism in the Western Hemisphere and urged Jewish organizations in America to continue to send maximum aid to Britain.
Increased Jewish relief work in Russia and the raising of a Jewish relief fund through self-taxation of Jews in the American countries was discussed at the conference today. The World Jewish Congress was urged to establish a special department to deal with emigration activities and the hope was expressed that other American Jewish communities will follow the example of Latin-American Jews in supplying relief funds to the World Jewish Congress.
The Brazilian Consul surprised the conference today by appearing and greeting the delegates on behalf of his government, which did not permit a Jewish delegation to attend. The consul emphasized that there is no distinction in Brazil between a Jew and a non-Jew.
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.
