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Z.O.A. Convention Opens Today; Will Discuss Autonomy of Zionist Groups in America

May 26, 1949
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The 52nd annual convention of the Zionist Organization of America which will discuss the relationship between the American Zionist movement and the Government of Israel will open here tomorrow with 2,000 delegates from all parts of the country attending. The sessions will last three days.

One of the major issues to he decided by the convention is the extent of autonomy which the Zionist Organization of America and other Zionist groups in this country will enjoy in their relationship with the Jewish Agency executive. It was over this issue that Dr. Abba Hillel Silver and Dr. Emanuel Neumann resigned from the Agency executive.

Proposals for the future program and constitution of the World Zionist Organization, including a blueprint of the relationships of Zionism to the world Jewish community as a whole and to the people of Israel, will be taken up at the convention. The proposals have been drafted by a special committee headed by Federal Judge Simon E. Rifkind of New York. The recommendations contained in Judge Rifkind’s report, it was learned today, will be based on a dual formula: Zionism as a means of helping the people of Israel, and Zionism as a constructive force in Jewish life outside of Israel.

The convention will be opened at Carnegie Hall by Dr. Neumann, Z.O.A. president. Dr. Neumann’s term expires at this convention and he will be tendered a testimonial dinner at the closing session.

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