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Leaders of Major U.S. Jewish Communities Meet Today in Pittsburgh; Formulate 1949 Plans

October 24, 1948
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Major issues concerning the responsibilities of American Jewry towards the Jews in Europe and Israel in 1949 will be considered at a two-day conference of leaders of the 30 Largest Jewish communities in the United States and Canada, which opens here tomorrow night. The combined 1948 welfare fund goals for operating purposes of the 30 communities exceed $152,000,000.

Participating in the conference are presidents and executives of Jewish Federations, Welfare Funds or Community Councils, as representatives of the United Jewish Appeal, of major overseas agencies and of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds. Experts on Jewish affairs will address the gathering on problems concerning the needs in Israel and in Europe as well as on local welfare problems in American Jewish communities.

The question of representation of the Jewish communities in the setting of goals and in the administration of national financed by Jewish federations and welfare funds is one of the major issues at the conference. The session will formulate the role of the communities in the reconstitution of the United Jewish Appeal for 1949 and the year-round participation of cities in the policies and administration of the U.J.A.

The opening session of the conference will seek answers the question of “What is Ahead on the Home Front.” Community representatives will analyze and exchange experiences in meeting local operating and capital funds requirements. Prospects for implementing local plans in 1949 will be discussed. “Assets and liabilities” of alternative methods of raising capital funds will also be reviewed.

An all-day session on Sunday will be devoted to consideration of the problems and needs of the Jews in Europe and Israel. Among European questions to be considered at this session are needs and costs of European aid in 1949, responsibilities of governmental bodies, prospects of rehabilitation, effects of mass emigration on European aid programs, and coordination of Jewish agencies.

Regarding Israel, discussion will focus upon the role of private philanthropy, the possibilities of loans, investments, taxation and other financing measures, and the relationship of various appeals for Palestine, as well as changes resulting from the establishment of the Jewish state.

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