Sisco: Never Detected Differences in Long-range Goals Between U.S. Jewish Leadership, Administration

Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Joseph J. Sisco said here today that he had never detected differences in the long-range goals between the American Jewish leadership and the Administration and called for maintaining close association and dialogue for better understanding.

Sisco made his remarks at a luncheon honoring Rabbi Israel Miller on completion of his two-year term as chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. The Undersecretary was one of 70 American government officials, prominent Jewish leaders and Israeli diplomats who paid tribute to Miller at the luncheon held at 515 Park Avenue. Miller also received a warm personal message from President Ford.

The President’s letter to Miller, read by David Lissy, assistant director of the President’s Domestic Council, stated in part: “I have personally appreciated having the benefit of your views and knowledge on many occasions and I greatly value your frankness and your friendship. As you go on with your important work at Yeshiva University, I know that your colleagues will continue to seek your wisdom and council, as will those of us in government who have so often in the past drawn upon your seasoned experience.”

Sisco, the senior American diplomat present, prefaced his remarks by observing that “If I was a Jew, I would want Miller to be my rabbi.” Sisco said that he had “very productive and useful” exchanges in the last two years with Miller as chairman of the Conference of Presidents. He said that whatever differences there were, they were always “a dialogue, an attempt to understand.”

Sisco added that the next two years “will have their own problems,” but he expressed confidence that as long as there is an exchange of views and ideas there is a hope for progress and for peace in the Middle East.

JEWISH LEADERSHIP ROLE LAUDED

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Chaim Herzog, observed that the recent visit of Premier Yitzhak Rabin to the U.S. was a manifestation of continuing American support of Israel. He said that the “Jewish leadership in America has played in great part (a role)…in developing and cementing the relationship between the U.S. and Israel.” He stated that in supporting Israel, the U.S. has pursued its own national interests.

Referring to the situation in the Middle East, Herzog accused Syria of sabotaging any progress toward peace and said that Syria would be at the center of whatever might develop in the Middle East. He noted that there are 3000 Russian advisors in Syria along with North Korean and Vietnamese units.

An original painting by Chaim Gross was presented to Miller on behalf of the Conference of Presidents by Yehuda Hellman, executive director of the Conference. Others who participated in the tribute to Rabbi Miller included Max M. Fisher, chairman of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency, and Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler who succeeded Miller as chairman of the Presidents Conference.

Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Simcha Dinitz, who was unable to attend the luncheon because of illness, sent a message to Miller declaring that “Israel and the American Jewish community will long be indebted to your exemplary service.”

In a statement of thanks, Miller said. “Despite the fact that the Jewish community is not monolithic, we stand as one to face the major challenges which lie ahead. Let no one doubt our collective commitment to the well being of Israel and our collective concern for the well being of the Jewish people. This commitment and concern will be forthrightly spoken when we feel the Administration or Congress or any agency of government is not supportive of the basic interests of our country by being fully supportive of Israel.”