President Roosevelt, in a statement made public here today by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, called upon all Americans to observe Brotherhood Week, February 19 to 28, which the Conference has proclaimed under the slogan “Victory for Brotherhood.” The Week will be observed for the tenth consecutive year in more than 2,000 communities, as well as in Army camps, Navy bases, schools and colleges, service clubs, and churches.
“The perpetuation of Democracy depends upon the practice of the brotherhood of man,” President Roosevelt’s declaration states. “The American conviction in war and in peace has been that man finds his freedom only when he shares it with others. People of every nation, every race, every creed are able to live together as Americans on this basis.
“We are fighting for the right of men to live together as members of one family rather than as masters and slaves. We are fighting that the spirit of brotherhood which we prize in this country may be practiced here and by free men everywhere. It is our promise to extend such brotherhood earth wide which gives hope to all the world. The war makes the appeal of Brotherhood Week-stronger than ever.
“I commend to all our citizens the observance of Brotherhood Week. February 19 – 28, 1943. I like the slogan ‘Victory for Brotherhood.’ I trust that the call of the National Conference of Christians and Jews to affirm anew the religious principles of understanding, justice, friendliness, and cooperation on which the realization of brotherhood rests will be heeded across the land by those of every occupation and religious allegiance. It is the application of these principles that makes our country united and strong.”
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.
