“The lives of millions of our brethren depend on a Russian victory,” declared Chief Rabbi Joseph Hertz last night, addressing a meeting to launch the United Jewish Appeal for Aid to Russia. He called upon the Jews in all countries to contribute to the fullest extent towards the defeat in Russia of “the exterminators of the Jewish people.” The “fifth freedom” required by the Jews of Europe – the right to live – can only be secured by a victory of the Russian forces, Rabbi Hertz said.
“Although the revolution’s first years did not fulfill our high hopes, and amazed its Western sympathizers by its bitter anti-religious crusade, its harrying of Zionists as counter-revolutionaries and its liquidation of the religious life of the Jewish masses, the Soviet Union was the first state to outlaw anti-Semitism, and gradually religious intolerance there has diminished,” the Chief Rabbi declared. He urged Jews to postpone their complaints concerning the Soviet attitude towards Zionism and Judaism until after victory has been won. Other speakers at the meeting included the Bishop of Chelmsford, who presided; the noted journalist, Beverly Nichols; and Mrs. Rebecca Zieff.
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.
