THE JEWISH NEWS - Incorporating the Detroit Jewish Chronicle commencing with issue of July 20, 1951 Member American Association of English-Jewish Newspapers, Michigan Press Association, National Editorial Association. Published every Friday by The Jewish News Publishing Co., 17100 West Seven Mile Road, Detroit 35, Mich., VE 8-9364. Subscription $5 a year. Foreign S6. Entered as second class matter Aug. 6, 1942 at Post Office, Detroit, Mich. under act of Congress of March 3, 18R.. PHILIP SLOMOVITZ Editor and Publisher CARMI M. SLOMOVITZ SIDNEY SHMARAK Circulation Manager Advertising Manager FRANK SIMONS City Editor Sabbath Scriptural Selections This Sabbath, the fifteenth day of Iyar, 5719, the following Scriptural selections will be read in our synagogues: Pentateuchal portion, Behar, Lev. 25:1-26:2. Prophetical portion, Jer. 32:6-27. Lag b'Omer Occurs on May 26. Licht Benshen, Friday, May 22, 7:34 p.m. VOL. XXXV, No. 12 Page Four May 22, 1959 The Bnai Brith Convention in Jerusalem When the international Bnai Brith convention opens, in Jerusalem the end of this month, a number of Detroit- ers, who have had the vision to plan participation in the important meetings, will share in the satisfaction of having attended the first worldwide Bnai Brith conclave in Israel. Bnai Brith chapters have functioned in the Holy Land for many years. Since the establishment of Israel, Bnai Brith has played an important role in efforts in defense of Israel and in practical activities to assure Israel's economic progress and physical security. * * It is estimated that of the 1,500 dele- gates who are planning to attend the convention, 95 per cent will be visiting the Jewish State for the first time. Many remarkable accomplishments, some of which are attributable to Bnai Brith and to its retiring dynamic president, Philip Klutznick, will be revealed to the dele- gates. The Israel government is preparing the most hospitable conditions for the convention. There will be a special post office for the delegates and banking facili- ties will be provided to facilitate monetary exchanges for the guests. * * Thus, the heavy tourist traffic in Is- rael, which was especially in evidence in record numbers during the Passover festival, will be multiplied in the coming few weeks, and the members of Bnai Brith will acquire knowledge about the redeemed State of Israel at first hand from a government that is anxious to build friendships in American Jewish communities and welcomes the good will of the great Bnai Brith organization: The Jerusalem sessions will provide an opportunity for the international Bnai Brith to show appreciation for the untiring and skillful efforts of the retiring presi- dent. Mr. Klutznick has been more than the president of Bnai Brith: as head of the conference of presidents of all na- tional Jewish organizations, as spokesman for American Jewry at the White House, at the State Department and at important sessions at which Jewish issues have been aired, and as the inspirer of many rising young leaders in American Jewry, he is a major personality in world Jewish activities today. * Mr. Klutznick has not limited his energies to civic-protective programs. He is deeply devoted to the cause of Jewish education and the advancement of Jewish cultural efforts is one of his major interests. We are certain that he is not stepping out of Jewish leadership in his retirement from the Bnai Brith presidency. He is certain to retain an important place in Jewish life, and the place of priority he has attained in the affections of our people is certain to be retained for him for many years to come. His successor has excellent standards, established for him by the able retiring president, to guide him in his future responsibilities. American Jewry already has gained a great deal from the prece- dents set for devoted communal action. How Amsterdan Jews Won Struggles Against Stuyvesant The struggle of the early Jewish settlers in this country, who established the first American Jewish community in New Amster- dam, in spite of the handicaps that were created for them by Peter Stuyvesant, has been told numerous times. It is related anew in a very interesting book, "Peter Stuyvesant and His New York—A Biography of a Man and a City," by two able authors, Dr. Henry H. Kessler and Eugene Rachlis. Random House is the publisher. Dr. Kessler took an interest in this subject because Stuy- vesant was and amputee and because he was able to establish for the first time, from a 1644 letter written by Stuyvesant, that it was the Dutch Governor's right leg that was amputated. Rachlis is a well known newspaperman. Aside from the Jewish angle in the book, which lends it special significance because the Jewish settlers were among the leaders in the New Amsterdam population who labored against Stuyvesant's arbitrary methods, this volume has great historical merit. Many new facts about New York, its founders, the early American settlers, their interests and manifold activities, will be found here. Besides, the enterprising activities that gave birth to the great metropolis are described here so interestingly that even the barest facts read like fiction. There is entertainment in the factual story of Stuyvesant and his New York. Are UN Petitions Buried in the Files? Unless an international organization The charge has recently been made by a World Jewish Congress leader that like the United Nations can be appealed unless present procedures are changed to for justice, where will the persecu- "petitions from aggrieved persons or tion turn to? Dr. Perlzweig has properly organizations, however grave the situation evaluated a grave issue, and it is to be in which they find themselves, will remain hoped that in the course of time the desired improvements will be made to buried in the files." give the deserved hearing to the maligned. This is a serious warning. Dr. Maur- As long as complaints against injustice ice L. Perlzweig, World Jewish Congress are "buried in official files," there isn't representative at the UN, discussing plans much hope for the persecuted. As soon for improvement in methods of dealing as the voice of less fortunate peoples is with communications relating to the pro- heard, without the danger of pigeonholing, motion of "universal respect for an ob- there will be a more secure day for the servation of human rights," explained oppressed. that although it is generally known that large numbers of people in various parts of the world were subject to persecution, the UN is yet to evolve an effective A distinct honor has been accorded method of responding to such victims of former Judge Charles Rubiner by the discrimination. Detroit Bar Association. * * * His election to the presidency of the The issue described by Dr. Perlzweig association is a mark of recognition of is a grave one. There are many problems the Detroit Jewish leader's high qualities involving the persecution of minority as a lawyer and as a dedicated member people. Many people behind the Iron of our community. Curtain continue to live in fear for their Long active in many Jewish move- lives. Jews in Moslem lands are subjected ments, Judge Rubiner is known for his to humiliations and live in total insecur- devotion to Congregation Shaarey Zedek ity. The oppressed seldom have recourse which he has served as president, as a to justice. faithful Zionist, as an active member of In the matter of emigration - and the many social service agencies. - He has the distinction of being the resettlement of oppressed Jews, there third Jewish leader to be named presi- also has been a lag that needs correcting. There are hundreds of thousands of Jews dent of the Detroit Bar Association, the who would welcome the opportunity of other two having been former State Su- acquiring the freedom of the new Israeli preme Court Justice Henry M. Butzel haven of refuge. But the obstacles, re- and Leo M. Franklin. We join in congratulating Judge Ru- lated to the burying of petitions, stand . biner on his elevation to .this high office. in the way . of proper rehabilitation. Honors for Rubiner It is especially interesting to note that the review of the Jewish struggle for equal rights appears in the chapter "Con- troversy over Conscience." The Jews were not alone who were suppressed in their religious activities. It was a matter of con- science. Because "througout Peter Stuyvesant's life, in time of calm as well as violence, he was sustained by a fierce devotion to his personal vision of God." it was necessary for those seeking just consideration of their claims for religious and other free- doms to deal with a man who was dedicated to his personal interpretation of the Dutch Reformed Church teachings. "The Lutherans were the first to feel the effects" of ordinances promulgated by Stuyvesant. The Jews were hard hit. Stupvesant started a campaign "to rid the colony of the Jews." But "despite the open antagonism, the Jews stayed." They appealed to the Netherlands Chamber and word came from the home government to the New Amsterdam colony easing the re- strictions. The Amsterdam Chamber granted the Jews permission "to travel and trade to and in New Netherland and live and remain there, providing the poor among them shall not become a burden to the company or the community, but be supported by their own nation." From this grant-to-stay stems the tradition of American Jewry: that we always take care of our own. More Jews began to settle in New Amsterdam and "the in- creased number also brought increased antipathy." Stuyvesant didn't rest and sought a reversal of the Chamber's decision, but "the Jews began to win minor victories." The Burgomaster recognized "the meaning of Saturday to the Jews and a court ordered that "no default be entered" against Jacob Barsimson "as he was summoned on his Sabbath." "Each victory came after a struggle"—and there were many struggles. The insistence of Jews that they be permitted to serve in the home guards became a major issue—another of those that finally resulted in triumph for Jewish persistance. "The Jews continued to petition for the expansion of their rights, and in time each of Stuyvesants denials was overruled by Amsterdam Stuyvesant's strategy with the Jews followed a pattern of nega- tion and delay; then as the Chamber reversed him, he reluctantly changed his position." In 1656, the Chamber "made it clear that the liberties Jews were to receive in the New World were to be the same as those permitted in the Netherlands." There was a restriction, however, on carrying on religious activities "in synagogues and gatherings," but that too, was overcome. The Jews soon gained the right to "purchase burgher rights," to carry on real estate activities, and when licenses were granted to Jewish butchers " they were specifically exempted from having to handle pork." This is part of an interesting historical development that led to Jewry's acquisition of just rights, against numerous obstacles created by Peter Stuyvesant. The courage of the first Jewish settlers in the first organized Jewish community of America is a tale of glory and self-esteem. It is recorded in a splendid book, and we highly recommend "Peter Stuyvesant and His New York" as a delightful and enlightening reading.