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Relations Between Jews and Non-jews in Madrid Reported Cordial

May 11, 1965
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Relations between the Jews of Madrid and non-Jews are very cordial and the Society of Christians and Jews has an important role in deepening understanding and combatting ancient prejudices, Gad Ben-Meir, director of the World Sephardi Federation, reported today on his return from a visit to Spain.

He said that there was “little doubt” that the Spanish Government would extend to the Barcelona Jewish community the same recognition recently given to Madrid Jewry “once a formal application is placed before the authorities.” He added that Spanish Jews were taking increasing responsibility in regard “to the affairs of their country and world wide Jewry.”

The legal recognition given Madrid Jewry last February “merely rendered “de jure what was de facto practiced out of tolerance,” he said. He credited the leadership of Madrid Jewry for the fact that the Jews “have for some time freely practiced all religious and cultural activities. Their success is due to their assuming their rights and not waiting for them to be offered.”

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