Resolutions calling for basic revisions in the existing immigration laws, for the enactment by the Congress of the United States of a Fair Employment Practices Act with appropriate enforcement powers, for full enforcement of civil rights by public officials, and for uncompromising separation of church and state were adopted here tonight at the closing session of the biennial convention of the American Jewish Congress.
At a banquet honoring former President Harry S. Truman, Dr. Israel Goldstein who was re-elected president of the American Jewish Congress, presented Mr. Truman with the Stephen S. Wise Award for his “consistent and courageous leadership in the cause of civil rights during his terms of office as President of the United States.” Mr. Truman’s efforts to combat racial and religious discrimination, as well as his active interest in Israel, were emphasized by Dr. Goldstein. (At the time the Bulletin went to press Mr. Truman had not yet delivered his acceptance speech.)
The convention adopted a resolution expressing a feeling of “kinship” with the State of Israel. It hailed the achievements of the Jewish State in providing a home for tens of thousands of Jews from all parts of the world, and pledged continuing moral and material support to Israel. It expressed the belief that the U.S. Government has a “special obligation to assist in and to encourage the development of Israel, not only because of the role of the U.S. in the emergence of that new state, but as the world leader in the struggle for freedom and peace.”
“We regard it as the responsibility of our Government to exercise its prestige and influence to encourage the Arab States to abandon their warlike attitudes and their economic boycotts against Israel, and to begin the long overdue negotiation of peace which Israel has sought from its establishment. The establishment of peace in the Middle East is a major and indispensable element not only for the survival of Israel, but for peace and stability of all mankind.”
DENOUNCES THE MCCARRAN-WALTER ACT; LISTS NEW PROVISIONS
The resolution on immigration denounced the McCarran-Walter Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 as “unworthy of the people of this country and our democratic heritage” because the national origins quota system–the heart of the law–rests on a theory “compounded of bigotry and ignorance in proclaiming the biologic and ethnic superiority” of certain European groups.
A permanent and adequate immigration law “consonant” with our democratic and humanitarian traditions, the resolution asserted, must include the following minimum provisions: 1. Immigration visas to be allotted on a basis of personal merit and not on race and origin; 2. A deportation policy which would ensure that resident aliens acquire the same right to protection and security as citizens; 3. The elimination of distinction in law between native born and naturalized citizens; 4. The establishement of a system of fair hearing and review in all phases of our immigration process.
Other resolutions adopted by the delegates; reaffirmed support of the World Jewish Congress as a unique instrument for Jewish unity and survival; urged “increasing participation of all segments of the American Jewish community in the work of the National Community Relations Advisory Council”; called for “maximum support” for the United Jewish Appeal and the State of Israel bonds.
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.
