A total of $4, 615, 000 was raised by the Jewish Welfare Federation this year–and additional contributions are still to come — it was announced here at a dinner closing the campaign, of which the United Jewish Appeal is the largest beneficiary.
Max M. Fisher, president of the Federation, told the 400 assembled leaders that the Federation’s 14 member agencies in Detroit would be able to meet increased demands for service because of the generous support given the campaign. He lauded Paul Zuckerman, the campaign chairman, and said that “his enthusiasm and determination to make the campaign successful inspired the whole community. “
Mr. Zuckerman called the work of the 2, 500 member campaign army inspiring. He said that although campaign workers represent more than 100 trades and professions they have one thing in common — concern for their fellow human beings in need. “I am proud in your name of the progress of the campaign to date, ” he declared. “When the reports are tabulated I am certain that Detroit will again have given an excellent account of itself. The figures are closing in on last year’s total. Whatever extra effort is necessary to finish the job, I know you will exert until the last dollar is in — and that the pride we have in our causes, in our organization and in our community will be fully justified.”
Mr. Isidore Sobeloff, executive vice-president of the Federation, said that Detroit Jewry has shown that even under prevailing adverse economic conditions and unemployment it is ready to fulfill fully its obligations toward local and national communal needs as well as toward Jewish needs overseas. He said that the $4, 600, 000 already assured for this year’s campaign constitutes a “distinguished accomplishment” and guarantees another year of successful activity. He emphasized that 2, 000 prospective contributors are yet to be covered for this year.
Label Katz, national president of B’nai B’rith and national cabinet member of the United Jewish Appeal, addressing the dinner, thanked the key workers and assembled leaders in behalf of the national and overseas agencies supported by the campaign. He called Detroit a national leader and an inspiration to other Jewish communities. With Detroit’s record this year, he emphasized, no community in the nation has an excuse for doing less than its share.
Mr. Katz called a strong American Jewish community the best hope for Jewish survival. He stressed the importance of building local and national institutions to take care of our people and preserve our heritage.
Mr. Katz, himself a former president of the Jewish Federation of New Orleans, praised campaign workers for building a strong community able to take care of its needs at home and to help provide for Jews in distress overseas.
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