Synagogue Leader Says ‘shocked’ at Idea Any Jews Would Back Wallace

The president of the United Synagogue of America, the lay congregational body of Conservative Judaism, said yesterday that he was “shocked and dismayed that any members of the Jewish community would consider voting for (George) Wallace,” the former Governor of Alabama and Presidential candidate of the American Independent Party. Henry N. Rapaport, of Scarsdale, said he became aware of pro-Wallace sentiment among some Jews during numerous discussions with Jewish leaders all over the country. He attributed it to a “general feeling of apathy and a backlash mood.”

Mr. Rapaport urged Jews not to cast a vote in next week’s elections “for any person espousing racist policies backed by hate-mongers, which are…doctrines contrary to our Jewish faith.” At the same time, he appealed to “the disillusioned voter” not to “sit out” this election “like ostriches hiding in the sand.” Mr. Rapaport reiterated the stand taken last week by the United Synagogue’s executive board condemning Negro anti-Semitism. But, he said, “while I abhor the extremist elements in the Negro community fostering anti-Semitism, I urge you not to blame an entire people by the actions of a few.”