More than 2000 supporters of Israel turned out for a solidarity rally here described by its sponsors as the largest such assemblage in North Jersey history. They stood in long lines to sign petitions, messages and telegrams urging continued United States backing of Israel and defeat of all efforts in the United Nations to create a Palestinian state.
Uri Ben-Ari, Israel Consul General in New York, denounced the UN General Assembly for its adoption last year of a resolution equating Zionism with racism and for its “condemnation of Israel which offers freedom and hope for the world.”
Rey. Malcolm Boyd, an Episcopalian clergyman, told the rally that it was the responsibility of the whole world, and not just Jews, to support Israel’s freedom. He added that “it is not the responsibility of the Christian world to convert Jews to Christianity; it is their responsibility to stand with Jews in defense of Israel.”
Organizers said the rally was held to alert supporters of Israel here to the prospect of fresh anti-Israel denunciations during the 31st General Assembly which opens in New York Tuesday.
MESSAGE TO AMERICA’S LEADERS
Richard Krieger, executive director of the Jewish Federation of North Jersey, said “we want to send a message to America’s leaders that this country must not stand idly by as some nations in the world try to turn Israel into a pariah state.” He said the messages and telegrams will be sent to President Ford and UN Secretary General Kurt Waldheim.
The outdoor rally last Wednesday night, sponsored by the Federation, had the support of local synagogues and churches. Mrs. Fran Cohen of Wayne, general chairman for the event, said it was not a “one-shot” affair but “the beginning of a far greater effort in which we will continue to seek to alert Jews and non-Jews of North Jersey to the problems facing Israel and urging constructive action.” Other speakers included William Korey, director of the UN office of B’nai B’rith, and Rina Messinger of Israel, Miss Universe of 1976.
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.
