U.S. Urged to Seek Inquiry by Impartial Body into Jordan’s Death

The United States Government was urged today to demand from the Czechoslovak Government a full inquiry by an impartial body into all circumstances of Mr. Jordan’s death in Prague. The request was made by the American Jewish Committee, which expressed “shock” at the tragic death of the JDC vice-chairman. At the same time, the Jewish Congress demanded that an investigation into the disappearance and tragic death of Mr. Jordan be conducted by the Czech authorities at the highest level.

Major American Jewish organizations today continued to express their grief over the sudden death of Mr. Jordan. A statement issued by Max M. Fisher, General Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, emphasized that “thousands of Jews” in many countries owe their survival to his personal ministrations. “These activities and achievements for which he has been honored abroad, as well as in this country, have more than earned him a deserved place in the history of our times. They have helped forge an indispensable link in the chain of Jewish life,” the statement said.

Dewey D. Stone, chairman of the United Israel Appeal, expressing grief on behalf of the officers, directors and staff of his organization said: “Mr. Jordan, a colleague and friend for over two decades, had given devoted leadership to the cause of Jewish survival and help in the upbuilding of the state of Israel. During his long and distinguished career there have been few crises in which his wise counsel and deep human concern have not helped to rally American Jewry to supreme effort. His courage and fighting spirit in the service of great humanitarian causes, loyalty and dedication will long be remembered by all those privileged to have known him and worked with him.”

Carlos I. Israels, president of United Hias Service, in a statement on behalf of the officers, board of directors and the staff, mourned the death of Mr. Jordan and emphasized his “zeal and dedication” to humanitarian work, A similar statement was issued by Murray I. Gurfein, president of the International Council on Jewish Social and Welfare Services of which Mr. Jordan was a founder. Statements mourning the untimely death of Mr. Jordan were issued today also by the American ORT, American Friends of the Alliance Israelite Universelle, and other Jewish groups.