Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver today called on President Eisenhower at the White House and discussed with the President Arab-Israel peace prospects and civil rights problems.
Following his talk with the President, Rabbi Silver told newsmen that he had come away with the feeling that Israel and the Arab states may have confidence "that he will be constructive and helpful to all concerned." The President, Dr. Silver added, was interested in the advancement of peace between Israel and the Arab states and had the interest of both parties at heart.
Dr. Silver, who revealed that he had commended the President on his Dartmouth speech denouncing "book burning," expressed disapproval of Congressional investigation of the nation’s clergymen. He said he felt that political freedom is derived from religious freedom and that indirect action to inhibit clergymen from speaking as their basic religious tenets prompt them, "will in the long run hurt democracy."
The President, Dr. Silver said, appeared determined to work for freedom and peace abroad and also "for true freedom for classic and un###atimidated American liberties" at home. Dr. Silver said the President outlined his philosophy on the matters discussed. He also revealed that he had commended Mr. Eisenhower on the progress of the administration bill to admit 240,000 additional refugees in the next two years.Dr. Silver said he was not aware of reported steps by Congressional investigating authorities to probe him and a Protestant clergyman who officiated with him at the inauguration of President Eisenhower. He said he supported clemency for the late Julius and Ethel Rosenberg because he felt that while they were guilty the penalty was too severe.
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.
