Opposition to the escalated bombing of North Vietnam was expressed today by leaders of two Jewish organizations who called upon President Nixon to call a halt to the slaughter of the civilian population. The American Jewish Committee declared that it was concerned over the massive bombing of Hanoi and stated that “it is difficult to perceive that any goal however desirable, or any disappointment, however frustrating, could justify the loss of so many innocent lives, even if accidentally.”
In a joint statement, David Sher, chairman of the Board of Governors, and Elmer L. Winter, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the AJCommittee, declared that the latest bombing raids were particularly hard to understand in light of the facts that “American troop withdrawal has been virtually achieved” and that “successive conferences seemed to narrow substantially the differences impeding a cease-fire.” The statement expressed hope “that the resumption of negotiations will lead to the prompt cessation of hostilities” in Vietnam.
The Jewish Cultural Clubs and Societies expressed shock at the resumption of the bombings and declared that this made the peace promised by Nixon “more distant.” A telegram to Nixon signed by Gedalia Sandler, general secretary, and Sam Pevzner, executive director of the Cultural Clubs, stated in part; “It is time to stop the killing of innocent men, women and children to protect the Thieu dictatorship. We urge you to halt the bombing immediately, sign the proposed peace agreement at once and put an end to the disastrous war against the people of Vietnam.”
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.
