Six hundred Midwest Jewish leaders, representing communities in 13 states, today formally opened the 25th annual United Jewish Appeal drive in their areas by unanimously adopting the UJA’s 1963 national campaign goal of $96, 000, 000, of which $36, 000, 000 represents a special fund for new immigrants. The action was taken at the closing session here of the three day UJA Midwest Leadership Institute, with Albert B. Adelman, of Milwaukee, as chairman.
Joseph Meyerhoff, of Baltimore, UJA general chairman, who spoke at the last dinner session, strongly urged delegates to adopt measures in their local communities that will provide the additional funds required in 1963. Max M. Fisher, of Detroit, UJA national chairman, was chairman of the banquet.
At Friday evening’s session, Rabbi Herbert A. Friedman, UJA executive vice-chairman, warned the conference delegates that “the end of heavy Jewish refugee movement is not in sight. ” Dr. Avram Biran, of Jerusalem, head of the Department of Archeology and Antiquities of Israel’s Ministry of Education, told the gathering that, while two-thirds of the free world’s Jews live outside Israel, they were meeting only one-third of the program of receiving and absorbing Israel’s newcomers. “The Jews of the United States and other free countries must increase their aid,” he said, “because, while we will not deny entry to a single Jew who comes to us, the burden of absorption is greater than we can carry.”
Other speakers who outlined needs and problems facing the UJA and its constituent agencies at various sessions included Gottlieb Hammer, executive vice-chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Inc.; Henry Levy, director for Latin America for the Joint Distribution Committee; and Mrs. Israel D. Fink, chairman of the UJA national Women’s Division.
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