Bowing to widespread criticism, the American Jewish Congress has radically altered the form of the plebiscite announced for next month, it was reliably learned today.
The ballot, according to a decision reached at a private meeting of Congress leaders last night, will contain one question instead of four previously listed. That question asks simply whether the registrant favors union, on a democratic basis, of all Jewish organizations fighting anti-Semitism. There is no reference in the question to a Jewish State, nor is the voter asked to designate the American Jewish Congress as the sole representative in the fight on anti-Semitism.
The term referendum is substituted for “plebiscite” in the new ballot form, the latter description having evoked particular criticism as unpleasantly reminiscent of recent continental votes. Formal announcement of the change is expected to be made on Monday.
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.