Presidents Conference Issues Declaration of Solidarity with Israel

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations today issued a “declaration” of solidarity with Israel “in their struggle for peace, security and dignity.” The declaration was read by Rabbi Israel Miller, chairman of the Conference, at the end of a two-hour meeting called by the Conference to inaugurate “an intensified program to tell American people the facts about the Arab-Israeli conflict.” (See full story P. 3)

The “declaration” stated:

“Through the men and women who make up its 32 national Jewish secular and religious constituents, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations declares its solidarity and unity with the people of Israel in their struggle for peace, security and dignity, Towards this end we will launch a nationwide drive to mobilize broad public support for Israel’s cause among our fellow-citizens.

“Because we do not have the huge financial resources of the Arab propaganda machine, we shall rely on a people-to-people effort in which the individual members of our constituent organizations will tell the facts of the Middle East con- flict to their friends and neighbors in every walk of life and every corner of this great country. We believe the American people will understand that the vital Interests of the United States are best served by providing Israel with the economic, military and political support necessary to deter Arab attack and keep alive the search for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

“We believe the American people will continue to see in Israel a brave democracy–the only state in the Middle East that shares our country’s values of freedom and equality–that has had to fight four times within a quarter of a century for its independence in the face of unremitting hostility by the Arab nations that surround it.

“Finally, we believe that what America requires and what Israel seeks are the same–a durable peace enshrined with justice for every man and woman and mutual recognition and respect among nations. As Americans and as Jews we pledge our energies, our strength and our commitment to this great goal.”