More than 1,000 labor friends, labor leaders, Jewish communal figures, journalists and others attended the 90th birthday celebration of Abraham Cahan at the Hotel Commodore this week-end. The luncheon was arranged by a committee of his friends to honor the founder and editor of the Jewish Daily Forward who pioneered Jewish journalism in this country and at the same time carved for himself a niche among America’s literary figures and in its labor movement. The affair was presided over by Alexander Kahn, general manager of the Forward.
President Truman and Israel Premier David Ben Gurion were among the outstanding world figures who sent messages of greeting to Mr. Cahan. The Israel Premier described the veteran editor as the “titan” of Jewish journalism. Other messages were received from Gov. Thomas E. Dewey of New York; Herbert Morrison, Lord President of the British Privy Council; Sen. Herbert H. Lehman of New York; William Green, president of the American Federation of Labor; and Philip Murray, president of the C.I.O. President Truman’s message declared:
“Your ninetieth birthday is an important milestone not only for you but for the democracy you have so faithfully served. Your contribution has been great. As editor, writer and political scientist you have provided the foundation for much that is fine in our American community. You have been a valiant fighter in the constant struggle against tyranny. We hope we shall have your aid in the continuing fight for many additional years.”
Among the speakers at the luncheon were William Green; David Dubinsky, president of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union; Jacob Potofsky, president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America; Alex Rose, president of Hat, Cap and Millinery Workers Union; Adolph Held, president of Forward Association and Mr. Rahn. Mr. Green said that the aged labor leader was an “example of what can be produced by our American way of life.” He recalled that Mr. Cahan came from Russia and after studying the English language and taking advantage of American freedom became one of the leading figures in American life.
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.
