The Jordanian Scandal . .
By Philip
'Society Hospitable to Dif-
ference' . BGR's Wisdom 310MOVitZ
next
ten
years
will
provide testimony either in defense of the despair
A Hearty Shalom to SS Shalom
A new flagship in any land becomes important news in the shipping over Jewish survivalism that has become evident in many ranks, or
Max M. Fisher, nationally promi-
industry. But when a $20,000,000 luxury liner makes its maiden en- will support the optimistic views of Dr. Slawson that our people can nent Jewish leader, industrialist
trance into NeW York harbor, it symbolizes the growth of the nation emerge loyal to our traditions and heritage even under the most liber- and active participant in civic
tarian conditions.
movements, was elected president
it represents.
The SS. Shalom is the major attainment of Israel's maritime in-
of the United Foundation at the
BGR—Analyst and Critic—versus 'Runaway Intellectuals'
dustry. It raises Israel's hopes for international trading and for in-
When "Discourses of Keidansky" first appeared in 1903, they annual meeting on Monday.
creased tourism in a peaceful world to new heights of glory.
The immediate past president of
marked an introduction by a brilliant young Jewish reporter on the
It is a source- of joy to be able to say shalom to the steamer Boston Evening-Transcript of the first decade of this century. Its au- the Jewish Welfare Federation and
Shalom: All peoples of good will express greetings of peace with hopes thor, Bernard G. Richards, who was. born in the Lithuanian city of Kei- the national associate general
for a peaceful world, on the occasion of Shalom's maiden voyage. May dan, whence he took the title for his book, was then 26 years old. He chairman of the United Jewish Ap-
those who stand in the way of peace recognize that just as a ship needs had come to this country with his parents at the age of 13 and mastered peal, Fisher is slated for the na-
peaceful waters for calm voyages, so, also, must mankind be blessed the English language by reading the works of 19th Century writers tional UJA chairmanship in 1965.
with an end to turbulence, on, land and in the air as well as on the and other noteworthy works in the language of the land.
He is a former chairman of the
seas. May the S.S. Shalom herald the coming of shalom to a distressed
He began as a writer but his importance to American Jewry be- Allied Jewish Campaign and has
world.
came evident when he assumed the secretaryship of the American
Jewish Congress when it was formed by • distinguished leaders, includ-
The Jordanian Slur and Possible Misinterpretations
ing the late Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis. Dr. Stephen
A mural appealing to prejudice and certain to arouse hatred was S. Wise, Judge Julian W. Mack, Pinchas Rutenberg, the famous en-
installed in the Jordanian pavilion at the World's Fair. It was not merely gmeer
.
and former Russian revolutionary, and others. Richards ac-
anti-Israel: it was anti-Jewish and certainly was intended to create compamed the former Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter and
hatred for all Jews. There were protests against it from many quarters, other American and world leaders to the Versailles Peace Conference
the first demand for the removal of the mural was rejected by Robert where the Jewish position in support of the National Home in Pales-
Moses, the World's Fair's president, but New York's Mayor Robert Wag- tine and the demands for just rights in lands of oppression were argued.
ner subsequently ordered the removal of the hate-stirring propaganda Richards is equally as effective as an analyst of Jewish values today, in
inscription and its accompanying emblems that were intended to arouse his 87th year.
bias on the ground that "Strangers From Abroad" — Jews — had in-
As a critic, Richards—he is BGR affectionately to his Jewish con-
vaded Palestine "buying up land and stirring up the people."
freres everywhere—is still able to shoot sharp barbs where they should
The issue is far from ended. It may reverberate into an inter- be directed and nearly always gets results by getting "leaders"—genu-
national controversy, now that Jordan threatens to close its pavilion ine and aspiring—to listen to reason.
if the mural is ordered removed. Jewish organizations rightfully insist
It is as an evaluator of panics that recur in our ranks over the
should be obliterated. retention of youth as participants in Jewish life that BGR is especially
that the slur against American and world Jena
But the fact that the Mayor of New York has taken a stand in support effective.
of the Jewish protest no doubt will provide ammunition to those who
Writing in Congress Weekly recently on "The Runaway Intellectu-
MAX M. FISHER
always find cause to suspect motives when a politician is involved. als," BGR, through Keidansky, explained that "the plaint about slackers,
What will be said now? Will the charge reverberate that it is "the runaways and deserters from our ranks has been heard through the
played
important
roles in many
Jewish vote" that forced action against Arab propaganda, or will there centuries," and on this score quoted a Yiddishism, "At dem klogt
movements in the Jewish commun-
be recognition that if the World's Fair theme, "Peace Through Under- doch der Novi . ." . . . "about that the Prophet laments."
ity, in behalf of Israel investments,
standing," is to retain its meaning, there must be no attempts to stir
What BGR suggested was that American Jews should begin to Israel Bonds and allied causes.
up hatreds?
demand "not merely social workers and campaign managers but real
Fisher is board chairman of the
. The reality, however, is that whenever there is a gesture of friend mentors, instructors and philosophers—uninhibited minds."
ship towards Israel, or an effort to undo the wrongs that are being com-
Soon to be a nonagenarian. BGR has a good sense of humor. Ric Group Inc., an insurance firm,
mitted by the Arab League, the United States becomes
target etc..
in Analyzing our generations, he pointed out that the second generation and a director of Allen Industries,
the vote, the
wealth.
Hess Oil and Chemical Co. and
attacks based on charges that - Jewish influence, -
are responsible for whatever acts of decency are exercised in friendship.
of immigrants
"tries societies
to forget . its
third
remembers
organizes
hisorical
. . identity,
" Asked the
about
the
fourth he and
has Manufacturers National Bank.
He succeeds Donald F. Valley,
Israel and the Israelis.
to Is
At a recent. State Department conference of editors, in Washing- I Keidansky
say: "I
think it devotes
itself of
to the
perfecting
golf!"
How would
Keidansky
draw some
drifters its
back
to Jewish who was named chairman of the
ton, State Department officials were especially cautious in their
board of directors of United
evaluations of the Middle East situation and in explaining the issues ranks? Facetiously, he says that he could more easily suggest how Foundation, the post formerly held
evolving around the Israel water development project. They explained to drive more away—"the way Jewish affairs are. conducted at the pres-
by William M. Day, president Of the
r
the Arab refugee situation and pointed out that the present number ent time."
Says and
Keidansky
the will
BGR run
memoir:
"More
more of in
them
away and dodge their duties Michigan Bell Telephone Co. Val-
of a million refugees is the result of a growth from the not more than as Jews if we who are part of the community turn away from basic ley is board chairman of the Na-
700,000 who originally fled to Israel. But from the participants came
rinciples, from modesty and humility, and the quiet and pleasant ways tional Bank of Detroit.
comments that were suggestive either of bias or of a lack of knowedge p
Fisher had been vice chairman
—on the score of the refugee situation and the "influence" of Ameri- of Jewish
life. our gigantic drives and campaigns—though for causes of the United Foundation board.
"I believe
can Jews.
most worthy in themselves—with their shrill noises, the exploitation He formerly served as a director
Thus. the foreign editor of one of the country's major magazines and glorification of personalities, the orgy of photography and posture, and as vice president.
posed a question regarding such influence, based on his calling attention
aranting of awards, medals, and citations to all sorts of individuals
granting
In 1961 Fisher was general chair-
to the labeling of U. S. Senator Jacob K. Javits of New York as "the for no good reason—I believe .these things serve to alienate and repel man of the United Foundation
Senator from Israel."
some young people of refinement and education. There was an ancient Torch Drive. Greater Detroit's his-
The editor who posed that question could also have mentioned that mitzvo, or ordinance, called mattan b'sessor, which means to give toric fund-raising campaign. He
President Lyndon B. Johnson, after his address in New York on the
directed a volunteer organization of
need for water development, at the annual dinner of the Weizmann
privately,
in secret. Now the commandment — the command more than 100,000 people in rais-
by Arab charity
is to beat
the drum!
Institute of Science, was labeled ."the President of Israel" -
"What is going on tends to turn our Jewish society into a many- ing the then record sum of $19,-
propagandists.
ringed circus with clowns - performing on all sides and bringing shame 530.000 for the support of 195
Should such venom be dignified? The foreign editor of a great upon the Jewish name. We have now a Man of the Day, a Man of the health and community services.
magazine expressed himself innocently, but inter alia he had given Week, a Man of the Month, a Man of the Year to honor and plaster
Fisher is a director of the Met-
recognition to vulgarity that often comes also from the Arabs' diplomatic with praise. We should also have the ghost writers of all days and ropolitan
Detroit Building Fund,
ranks.
seasons, but that will never happen, for the sources of all ballyhoo and vice president of both the Greater
Any charge against Jewry resulting from action against the display evil has to be hidden in . the sub-cellar, the bottomless pit of perfidy
Detroit Hospital Council and Sinai
of a hate-mongering mural at the World's Fair will not come as a which is otherwise called publicity:
Hospital and a member of the
surprise. The attacks on Israel all too often are mixed with venom
"Add to that the rivalry of our organizations, the duplication and board of governors of Hebrew
hurled at all Jews. When such abuses also drag in the honor and the waste of effort, the lack of coordination in our communal life, the ir- Union College.
dignity of American institutions and the American people's sense of fair responsibility of a large part of our press, the lack of order and de-
His professional affiliations in-
play, it should not he tolerated. It is in this spirit that New York officials corum, and you have the reason why even the. intellectuals who prize
elude membership in the American
must act. The issue must not be dragged through a diplomatic sewer. their heritage and allegiance to Jewry stand aloof and despondent."
Petroleum Council and director-
4'
"What's the solution?" he was asked, and Keidansky replied: "The
ships of the National Petroleum
intellectuals could possibly do something to bring order out of the Council and the Western Petroleum
'A Society Hospitable to Difference'
Dr. John Slawson, executive vice-president of the American Jewish chaos. But we have to catch them first. It is too horrible to con- Refiners Association.
Committee, made most interesting observations in his address at the template hew calamities that would bring a spiritual revival of our
Fisher is a native of Pittsburgh
annual meeting of the Committee held in New York last week. In this people. Beyond the abyss into which we have looked tragedy comes and a graduate in business admin-
period of serious concern over Jewry's ability to survive in an atmo- to an end. But our remaining, dedicated and revered scholars, rabbis istration of Ohio State University,
sphere of freedom, it is interesting to note Dr. Slawson's opinion that and teachers Could perhaps sound the tocsin of alarm and send our where he played varsity football.
Their reward
the vast majority of our people seek survival, that this desire to survive people back to the book to learn humility, integrity!
He lives with his wife and five
is "the strongest expression of Jewish identity," and that he did not fail would be beyond any praise."
children at 17751 Fairway Hills,
in
his
eighties,
but
He puns and draws laughs, this vigorous man
to indicate that the leaders in American Jewry believe that "defense
Franklin.
against assimilation" is more urgent even than "defense against dis- he makes sense.
Not only is BGR a critic, but he also has concrete suggestions. And
crimination."
Defining "assimilation" as a process of "trying to forget that one he emerges a pragmatist in his reintroduction of the sense of humor Bullet Fired at Office
is a Jew," Dr. Slawson pointed to an increased receptivity in this coun- in his study of Jewish life. Perhaps Keidansky-BGR will really help of Aussie Jewish Paper
(Direct JTA Teletype Wire
try to "ethnic and religious diversity," and his emphasis that "the bring order out of chaos.
to The Jewish News)
achievement of identity as Jews, while at the same time participating
MELBOURNE
— A rifle bullet
fully in all facets of life in America, is not a realistic expectation." Max M. Fisher's Newest Honor
was fired Monday night through
Max
M.
Fisher,
who
has
risen
to
the
highest
rank
of
leadership
Of particular importance in Dr. Slawson's statement is the view
in the American Jewish community, has been honored for his fulfill- the office window of the widely
he expressed that in the context of a vigorous Jewish tradition and a
ment of numerous civic responsibilities. The newest recognition given read English-Y i d d i s h language
society hospitable to difference, it is important that "Jewish leaders
him is his election to the presidency of the United Foundation. He has Australian Jewish News. Police
. . . have an opportunity and responsibility to help the individual
well earned it by his dedication to communal duties, and we heartily opened an investigation.
Jew to find a personal enriclunent and sense of community that
The incident followed the recent
congratulate him on the honors accorded him and the United Founda-
Jewish identity can give." He added: "Acculturation to American
tion for its vision is recognizing the merits of a distinguished Detroit Swastika daubing of the office of
society without loss of identity—either religious or religio-cultural,
The Jewish Herald.
leader.
depending upon one's point of view—is the essence of Jewish inte-
gration."
Since differences are real and vital, one must hope that our society Henry George Classic 'Progress and Poverty' Published in Israel
will remain "hospitable to difference," and in such an environment it
The translation was made in at its New York headquarters.
NEW YORK, (JTA) — The
should be possible to retain the "will to survive" and the desire to
counteract the attempts "to forget that one is a Jew," as Dr. Slawson Robert Schalkenbach Foundation Israel under a grant from the Mendel . N. Fisher, secretary-con-
defined assimilation. Whether or not he is overly optimistic remains announced publication in Israel of Foundation which also made a sultant of the Jewish National
to be judged by the events that will transpire in the coming decade. the first edition in the Hebrew supplementary grant to provide Fund, who wrote the foreword to
Equally as important as our neighbors' hospitality to difference is the language of Henry George's philo- the book to 632 public and six uni- the Hebrew edition, pointed out
the special significance of Henry
determination of our youth to overcome indifference. The test lies sophical classic, "Progress and
George's teachings to Israel, stress-I
versity
libraries
in
Israel.
The
with the fourth generation. In the third generation of American Jews
we have already witnessed much of indifference to Jewish needs and Poverty," first published in 1879. edition has been published by ing that George's ideals of land -
tenure were actually embodied in
Massadah, Ltd.
values. It is this complacency and lack of interest in Jewish respon-
Announcement was made at a the Jewish National Fund pro-
THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
sibilities that must be overcome by the next generation. The emerging
reception given by the Foundation gram.
Friday, May 8, 1964
attitudes of college students will be part of that test. That is why the 2

Purely Commentar

Fisher Elected
[711 President

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