Rabbi Rudin, in Solidarity Day Invocation, Pleads for Social Justice

A stirring appeal for social justice by a distinguished rabbi highlighted the participation of American Jewry in the National Solidarity March that rallied whites and blacks to the cause of the poor in a massive demonstration here today, Rabbi Jacob P. Rudin, president of the Synagogue Council of America, delivered the invocation at the Lincoln Memorial. He called on the nation to “heed the hungry who cry out from the depths of their bitterness.” He stressed that there was no need for hunger in a land so rich and ‘no need for a chasm between men.” He said the gap was “deep and growing deeper, dangerous and growing more dangerous.”

Rabbi Rudin pointed out that as the poor go on waiting to share in the life that America offers, the distance is growing between the poor and the non-poor. He said the lives of the poor are “postponed” because others lack conviction. The rabbi prayed that talk be lessened but action increased to do justice to the underprivileged. His opening prayer drew applause.

Thousands of Jews attended as individuals, Organizations taking part included the Synagogue Council, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the United Synagogue of America, the American Jewish Congress and others. The Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington mobilized local rabbis and congregations.

A militant Jewish youth group, “Jews for Urban Justice,” prepared and distributed an estimated 1,000 corned beef and salami sandwiches. The food was donated by local Kosher delicatessens. The sandwiches were given to New York City Negro policemen and firemen who volunteered to serve as parade marshals.