A resolution rebuking recent statements by Israeli leaders against American Zionists was adopted here today at the closing session of the annual convention of the Bnai Zion, a national fraternal order. The resolution reads:
“There is no inconsistency between our ties to America and our ties to Zionism which are as close, as firm and as strong to one as to the other. Any person anywhere in the world whether here or in Israel who says otherwise does disservice to Americans and to Jews and gives aid and comfort to enemies of both–this no matter how lofty his motives and no matter how high the eminence from which he speaks.
“This convention expresses its dismay that anyone, Jew or non-Jew, inside or outside America should impugn either our Americanism or our Zionism by baseless and stubborn allegations addressed to our patriotism and devotion. We proudly affirm that we are certain of our identity, we know what we are, we are loyal and dedicated Americans and Zionists and we shall continue to be both,” the resolution concluded.
The convention called for an end to the Arab boycott and blockade of the Suez Canal; asked that the U.S. urge the Arabs to discuss the refugee problem with Israel; and urged continued Point Four aid for Israel and underprivileged countries of the Middle East.
The convention attacked the hate organizations on the American scene and called for Federal and state legislation to curb their activities. The convention also called for support “for Federal aid to public school construction and teachers’ salaries and also for Federal aid to higher education, within the limits proposed in pending Congressional bills supported by the Kennedy Administration and to avoid any and all diversions from the accomplishment of this vital purpose.”
Norman G. Levine of New York was today elected national president of Bnai Zion. He succeeds Hyman J. Fliegel of Brooklyn, who was honored at a banquet last night with the presentation of a scroll citing his long service to Bnai Zion. Herman Z. Quittman, national secretary of Bnai Zion, reported to the convention that the organization gained a record number of 3, 865 new members and the addition of 14 chapters throughout the nation during the past year.
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.
