Rabbi Max Nussbaum, president of the Sionist Organization of America, tonight warned the opening session of the 67th annual ECA convention that the Western Powers must halt “appeasement of President Nasser of Egypt, before it is too late.”
Stating that the appeasement of Adolf Hitler produced “the greatest calamity mankind has ever witnessed,” he said “there is a similar attitude of appeasement in the treatment of Nasser by the Western Powers.” He added that it was not too late to stop Hasser from carrying out machinations which could trigger world tragedy, but “three or five years from now, it will be too late.”
Commenting on the present position of the American Jewish community, Dr. Nussbaum appealed to the Jewish masses to stir up the leadership in their communities to organize a central representative body of the American Jewish community. He charged that the present “utter disarray” of Jewish community life hampers efforts on behalf of Soviet Jewry ant in combating anti-Semitism in other parts of the world. He also called for promotion of limited emigration of American Jews to Israel, asserting that the movement to Israel of 5, 000 Americans a year is “within the realm of probability.”
Dr. Nussbaum was the keynote speaker at the opening session of the convention, attended by more than 1, 000 delegates from all over the United States. Formally opened by I.S. Turover, of Washington, chairman of the National Convention Committee, the session was addressed also by Israel Ambassador Avraham Harman, who brought greetings on behalf of the Israel Government, Yosef Serlin, deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament, who spoke on behalf of the World Union of General Zionists; and Rabbi Irving Miller, honorary chairman of the American Zionist Council. Rabbi Miller delivered a moving tribute to the late Dr. Abba Hiliel Silver.
ESHKOL CABLES GREETING, STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF IMMIGRATION
Israel’s Prime Minister Levi Eshkol cabled the ZOA convention a greeting including an appeal for increased American emigration to Israel. He said this was not only of great importance to Israel but would provide the “strongest link between Israel and American Jewish community.” He said Aliyah offered the ZOA “renewed purpose,” and the challenge of bringing American Jewish youth to Israel to build the growing Israeli society. He
Mr. Eshkol stated in his message that Israel cannot be satisfied with present accomplishments, noting the recent Arab summit conference and its announced aim of Israel destruction. The mainstay of Israel’s security is the quality of her citizens, he said. Past reservoirs of Israel’s manpower are drying up, and new sources are needed to maintain economic growth and ensure security, according to Mr. Eshkol.
Mr. Serlin commented in his address on the recent Arab summit conference, stating that “for the first time since the emergence of Israel, 13 Arab countries have voted to utilize the Arab refugees against us not only as a political weapon but also as a military weapon.” He referred to the parley’s call for a “Palestine Liberation Army” composed of Arab refugees for the specific aim of waging war on Israel. He said “the nations friendly to Israel, in rendering their material aid to the Arab refugees, should insist on peaceful purposes of this program, and not permit its use as a threat to Israel.”
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.
