Dr. Goldmann: No More Activities Affecting Israel; Will Resign if Necessary

Nahum Goldmann said today that he will no longer engage in political activities affecting Israel and promised to resign from the presidency of the World Jewish Congress should he change his mind. Dr. Goldmann made his pledge at a stormy session of the WJC’s Israeli Executive where he was bitterly attacked by most of his colleagues for his criticism of Israel government policies. His critics represented much of the Israeli political spectrum, from the Labor Party to the right-wing Gahal and the religious parties. They claimed that Dr. Goldmann’s outspoken criticism of the policies of the Meir government, especially its approach to peace with the Arabs, reflected on the WJC and implied that it was opposed to the Israeli government. Dr. Goldmann replied that he had the right to express his opinions and to the best of his knowledge most of his political prognostications proved correct. He said on such matters he always spoke as a private citizen and not for any organization. He said he never considered resigning from the WJC because if he did he feared that institution might crumble.