Purely Commentary

By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ

More Attacks on U.S., More Funds for U.A.R.
From all indications, the more Nasser abuses the United States,
the more often he joins with Khruschev in maligning us, the surer his
chances of getting funds from both—his Kremlin comrade and the
American Uncle he despises.
That's what's been happening, in spite of Senatorial protests.
That's just what had taken place when the State Department, over
the objections of the U.S. Treasury and our European allies, approved
another $40,000,000 loan for the U.A.R. through the International
Monetary Fund.
There.are men in Washington who minimize all the saber-rattling
of Nasser and the war threats of his associates. Do we have only
prayer to resort to that the complacency of our officials should not
turn into tragedy?

Pope Predicts nappy Catholic-Jewish
Belationship; Disapproves of Blaming
Jews for Crucifixion, Albram Reports

ROME (JTA)—Pope Paul VI,
receiving a delegation of leaders
of the American Jewish Com-
mittee, expressed desire for "trust-
ing relations" between Catholicism
and Judaism and for "a happy
future." He deplored the "horrible
ordeals of which the Jews have
been victims in recent years."
The American Jewish Com-
mittee group was led by Morris
B. Abram, president of the or-
ganiaztion. The audience which
Pope Pius accorded to the Jewish
*
group was reported in detail in
Osservatore Roman, the Vatican
Hassidim ... Physical Judaism . . . JudOism Once Again .. .
organ. The report said that follow-
When this Commentator. discussed, on several recent occasions, ing his official address, in Eng-
the values of Physical Judaism in the process of assuring defense for lish, the Pontiff held long and
Jews when they are in danger of being bodily assaulted. he had not friendly conversations with the
anticipated the possibility that the peace-loving Hassidim of Williams- members of the delegation.
burg would some day be compelled to organize squads of natrolling
Abram, greeting the Pontiff,
groups, in their traditional kapotes (black satin coats). with their emphasized that the American
flying payoth (earlocks) to forestall attacks upon their followers and Jewish Committee is seeking "to
especially to protect the children who attend the Lubavitcher Rebbe's safeguard the religious and cul-
schools.
tural freedom of all people and
Your Commenator's suggestion that there may be a need for the rights of all groups to de-
Judoism to supplement Judaism seems to have materialized sooner velop the human values God has
given them, free from coercion
than expected.
The fact is that whenever Jews resisted persecutions. they gained and discrimination."
After expressing his "gratifica-
added respect.
tion" with this objective of the
We are not speaking of the courage of the Israelis who withstood American Jewish Committee, Pope
the threats from seven hostile neighboring nations to score a victory Paul said
by a handful over enemy millions: the Israelis were defending the
"We are glad of the opportunity
offer us of confirming what is
last fortress of freedom, backs to the wall, figuratively speaking, you
already known concerning the attitude
facing the danger of being swept into the sea unless they won the of the Catholic Church, and in par-
ticular of the Holy See, toward the
battle of the handful against the mights. They scored a triumph and Jews.
This name of Jew, in fact, raises'
will always serve as symbols of bravery.
several questions, which we consider
with serene attention:
But there were many other instances when Jews fought back and
"1. The racial question. In this re-
repelled their enemies: not necessarily in the days of the Maccabees, gard we repeat the heartfelt wish ex-
pressed, on numerous occasions, by
but even under the Czars, when they formed self-defense corps to our venerated predecessors: namely,
stand guard over their homes against the Russian Black Hundreds; that this should never be for you, or
any other ethnic group, a reason
when, even in the Middle Ages. Jews resisted indignities; when, in for
for undergoing any diminution in your
this country, in the era of large Jewish waves of incoming immigrants, human rights, which every civilization
truly worthy of the name cannot avoid
young Jews mobilized forces to protect the greenhorns from attacks recognizing.
"2. The political question, which it
by bigots.
is not our business to pronounce our-
In one fashion or another, we had Judoism in many varieties self upon, especially at this time, al-
through the centuries. There is nothing to be ashamed of in the record though we always desire and augur
it find just and peaceful solutions,
of Jewish self-defense, and the bearded, caftoned, payoth-waving that
both for the populations who have
Hassidim once again are proving that "men shpeit unz nit in zup"— already sustained so many trials and
suffering, and also by reason of the
they won't permit their soup to be fouled.
interests which the Catholic Church,
While there is a basic principle that people must know how to and other Christian churches, may
therein, and which must not be
stand up against indignities and must be able to defend themselves have.
disregarded.
"3. The religious aspect, which in-
and their fellow men. it stands to reason that they must never take
us most deeply, and motivates
the law in their own hands. In a free society we must hope that there terests
our particular consideration for the
will always be available proper police protection against hoodlums, Jewish religious tradition, which
Christianity is so intimately linked.
in order to obviate indepedent patrolling. The Brooklyn development and
from which it derives hope for
should serve as a warning that if we are not to have anarchy in our trusting relations and for a happy
future.
democratic society, there must be an assurance of proper and honor-
"Hence, while we again strongly de-
able police action for the enforcement of the law.
plore the horrible ordeals of which
Jews have been the victims in
Tragically, in the ensuing days since the formation of the Hassidic the
recent years, we wish you every favor
self-defense corps. there have been more muggings, there were from God, whom we invoke with all
assaults with . frightful consequences. On top of it all, the Negroes our hearts on your behalf, and that
of all those who are near and dear
now are training in karate, and if there is to be karatism versus to you."
Speaking later to members of the
Judoism, woe unto all of us.
Associartion of War Prisoners,
What is needed, therefore, is proper policing and a good govern- Italian
the Pontiff made implied reference to
the
play,
"The Deputy," in which the
ment system that will obviate internal crimes. Else, we'll all be lost
late Pope Pius XI is charged with
in a jungle amidst civilization.
failing to protest publicly against the

Arab Sportsmanship

This country was the first to recognize Israel's sovereignty. In
spite of numerous instances of antagonism to Israel by officials of
the State Department, and an occasional rebuke from the White House
in the years that preceded and immediately followed the Sinai Cam-
paign and the fiasco now accredited on that score to the White House.
there has been a reiterated declaraion of interest in Israel's security.
All of our Presidents, since Truman, emphasized that the United
States is concerned that Israel's security should be assured.
These truths have no bearing an the Arab statesmen who last
week went so far as to protest against the official visit in this country
of Israel's Prime Minister Levi Eshkol.
Israel is on the friendliest terms with the United States, but the
Arabs have displayed such remarkable sportsmanship that they would
even prevent a friendly diplomatic exchange by two governments that
are on the best and most cooperative terms.
It's difficult to judge such an attitude. So much good could have
been attained by an abandonment of Arab threats to Israel. But the
13 Arab states are bent upon one objective: their refusal to recognize
Israel's existence. How long can such a lack of realism persist? The
State Department rebuke to the Arabs in Washington is an indication
that arrogance cannot go on without a halt.
*
*
*

Nazi annihilation of Jews. He said
Pope Pius "firmly protested" against
war illegalities and was "full of solici-
tude and worries" during the war
years. "Only an eye veiled by incom-
prehension and malice could fail to
recognize his tireless work," he stated.

Pope Paul Disapproves
of Blaming Jews For
Crucifixion of Jesus
NEW YORK (JTA)—Pope Paul
VI, during the audience he gave
last Saturday to a group of leaders
of the American Jewish Commit-
tee, indicated that he does not be-
lieve that Jews should be held
responsible for the crucifixion of
Jesus by declaring that he fully
associates himself with the views
expressed by Francis Cardinal
Spellman in the latter's address
delivered at the American Jewish
Committee's annual dinner in New
York on April 30.
The Pontiff told the American
Jewish Committee delegation that
Cardinal Spellman had "spoken my
sentiments," it was revealed by
A Pavilion with a Mission of Hatred
Morris B. Abram, president of the
It'll take a long time for the blunder that was committed by the Committee who headed the dele-
World's Fair Corporation to be corrected. It may never be corrected, gation, which returned Monday
and a great undertaking may remain besmirched for all time due to from Rome to New York. Addres-
the failure of Robert Moses to be on guard against the invasion of sing a press conference, Abrams
hatred in an area that was to have been marked by brotherhood and said that Pope Paul informed the
understanding.
delegation that Cardinal Spell-
The head of the Fair and his associates should have carefully man's talk at the American Jew-
avoided attempts by Arabs, and all others, to utilize their pavilions for ish Committee's dinner had been
political and selfish purposes. A lack of scrutiny has resulted in the forwarded to him and that he
injection of an appeal to bigotry that maligns not Israeli Jewry alone read it with much satisfaction.
Pope Paul, declaring to the
but all Jews and especially the Jews of America.
What Robert Moses and hig staff did is inexcusable, and all American Jewish Committee dele-
protest against the venom emanating from the Jordanian pavilion is gation that these are also his own
sentiments, made it clear that he
entirely justified.
backs the statement on Catholic-
Friday, June 5, 1964
THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS Jewish relations which is now be-
2

ing prepared for submission to the Center program has been assured
forthcoming session of the Ecu- by Mrs. Sperry and the family
menical Council in September.
and friends of the late Mr. Sperry.
The delegation received by the Pope
included, in addition to Mr. Abram,
The Sperry Center will be es-
who is a U.S. member of the United
Nations Subcommission on Prevention tablished in the International Uni-
of Discrimination and Protection of versity of Social Studies, Pro Deo,
Minorities, Ralph Friedman of New
York, chairman of the American in Rome. Abram expressed the
Jewish Conunittee executive board; American Jewish Committee's view
Philip E. Hoffman of Newark, N.J., that Rome, the scene of Pope
chairman of its board of governors;
Dr. John Slawson of New York, execu- John XXIII's challenge to men to
tive vice-president; and Mrs. Leonard establish a new order in human
M. Sperry of Los Angeles, a member
relations, is an appropriate loca-
of the executive board.
Abram revealed plans for the tion for a Center devoted to such
creation in Rome of a research purposes. Pope John enunciated
and action center to analyze and this call at the opening session of
combate prejudice, especially as the Ecumenical Council in 196L
it arises in the teachings of dif-
As a result of the audience with
ferent faiths. Abram said that Pope Paul, Abram said, the Ameri-
the Pope, when informed of these can Jewish Committee feels great-
plans, indicated his approval and ly encouraged about the prospects
gave his blessings to Mrs. Sperry, of the forthcoming session of the
widow of the American Jewish Ecumenical Council adopting the
Committee leader, in whose mem- decrees concerning religious lib-
ory the center is being established. erty and Catholic attitudes toward
To be known as the Leonard M. Jews and other non-Christian
Sperry Center for Intergroup Co- groups. "Pope Paul told us that
operation, the new institute will he wished for peace among all
promote examination of religious religions, that he hoped the Coun-
texts and teaching materials in dif- cil would help bring peace and
ferent parts of the world in order friendship between the Church
to determine in what light they and the Jews, and that it would
portray various religious groups repeat the sentiments expressed
and ethnic minorities, including in the statement he read to our
Jews. Initial financing of the delegation," Mr. Abram said.

eao

Boris Smolar's

Between You
... and Me'

(Copyright, 1964, Jewish
Telegraphic Agency, Inc.)

Personality Profile
The name Moses A. Leavitt, who is being honored on the occasion
of his 70th birthday, is known to millions of Jews . . . Many know him
by name only, as the executive head of the Joint Distribution Committee
who played a tremendous role in saving their lives and in helping them
to start life anew . . . Those who know him personally — whether in
this country or in Jewish communities in other countries—consider him
the dynamo of the JDC and respect him highly as one of the most able
executive leaders in organized Jewish life . . . As to the government
of Israel, none of its top leaders will ever forget the extent to which
Leavitt was responsible in bringing into life the Malben — the JDC
institutions for incapacitated immigrants — on which the JDC spends
now about $10,000,000 each year ... Nor will high officials of the West
German Government forget the zeal and devotion with which Leavitt
worked, as treasurer of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims
Against Germany, to formulate the Luxemburg Agreements in 1952 ...
Under these agreements, the Bonn Government has since paid to Israel
hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for the cost of resettling
Jewish refugees in Palestine and Israel . . . It has also paid, and is
continuing to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in indemnification
to individual Jews who suffered from the Nazis . . . Tireless and prac-
tical-minded, Leavitt directed the JDC relief and reconstruction opera-
tions for more than 20 years, being acknowledged in the field of social
work as one of America's outstanding authorities on overseas relief and
migration problems . . . During World War II he was adviser to the
U.S. War Refugee Board; later he was appointed by President Eisen-
hower as member of the President's Committee for Hungarian Refugee
Relief.
Private Moods
Few people know that Leavitt's great hobby is cultivating new
varieties of roses . . . Photography is another of his hobbies, and no
expert can outdo the beautiful colored travelogues showing his skill
.. . Born in New York, he graduated as a chemical engineer and held
for a number of years a managerial position with a leading American
chemical company . . . However, his interest was in Jewish work; thus
he became vice-president and secretary of the Palestine Economic
Corporation, and later joined the JDC which this year celebrates its
50th year.
The Cultural Front
There is agreement on the part of all Jewish groups interested in
strengthening Jewish consciousness among American-born Jews — who
today constitute about 85 per cent of American Jewry — that
Jewish cultural programs must be made more effective if they are to
reach the younger generation of Jews , .. Dr. Emanuel Neumann, leader
of the Jewish Agency, who has devoted a good part of his life to stimu-
lating Zionist and Jewish knowledge, is one of those Jewish leaders in
America who not only speak of the need for a better Jewish education
but who also act . It was due to his initiative that the American sec-
tion of the Jewish Agency 10 years ago established the Herzl Press in
New York—a publishing house to provide American Jewry with a better
appreciation and understanding of the Jewish heritage . . . The result
is that this institution has succeeded in publishing '72 books during the
years of its existence, helping the American Jew to understand not only
Jewish and Zionist history, but also Jewish life in various countries,
including Israel . . . Six of the books deal with Israel-American rela-
tions, while 14 others deal with various aspects of life in Israel . .
The scholarly works published by the Herzl Press include books on
Zionism, its philosophy, history and the role it played in uniting Jews
throughout the world in striving for the establishment of a Jewish
State . . . Some of the Herzl Press books have been published in
cooperation with leading American publishing houses, while others
were co-sponsored by American Jewish organizations . . . Having his
expectations confirmed, Dr. Neumann is now planning a one-volume,
750,000-word' encyclopedia of Zionism and Israel. . . . Editor of the
Herzl Press is Raphael Patai, who is proud of the variety of the books
published and of the caliber of the authors of these books.