Purely Commentary

Freedom of Press and Abuse of Truth

Freedom of the press is indisputably among the basic
principles to assure man's liberties. This nation's free
press proved its effectiveness in resolving the Watergate
scandals. Its research contributed toward the advancement
of human needs and civil rights. It assists in providing
knowledge of international affairs.
Presently there is a dispute over a newspaper's priv-
ilege in publishing certain types of advertisements. Should
a newspaper censor ads with anti-Israel propaganda?
The fact is that a newspaper or magazine has as much
right to publish a pro-Arab as a pro-Israel statement:
provided either or both deal with facts and the truth.
Otherwise there is justification in asking a newspaper
to deny space, free or paid,_ to those propagating lies.
Many letters to editors contain such untruths—mis-
statements that pdison the minds of readers and lead to
divisiveness in a community instead of an encouragement
to amity and to mutual respect even while differing on
certain issues.
Proof was -provided again in the Detroit morning
newspaper. The writer of that letter had a perfect right
to say he doesn't like Jews or Israelis, or disapproves
of Israel and favors the Arabs. But when he resorted
to such untruths as the assertion that Israel Bonds are
treated as tax free by the U.S. government he gains access
to spreading untruth when such a letter is published.
.It is also necessary to clarify his misunderstanding
about the Jewish emigrants' reference in the trade bill
that has been approved by President Ford. An American
human rights principle is involved. But while the inten-
tion was to aid the oppressed Jews in the USSR, they
are not alone to be benefited. They are not mentioned
by name. All who desire to emigrate from the USSR were
to be aided by the provisions of this bill.
(Russian rejection of congressional demands for free
emigration merely emphasiies the need for global con-
cerns in humanitarian approaches to the issues that in-
volve discrimination against many elements in the USSR).
Not so long ago several Detroit leaders protested
publication of similar lies to the Free Press. Leonard N.
Simons was especially active in that protest. It was in-
dicated then, as it should be again, that there are no
such things as tax free foreign bonds, Israeli or those
from any other government. Why _should a newspaper
give a platform to such deliberate hate-infections?
It is on this score that the line should be drawn by
the press in the interest of basic freedom: that lies should
not be permitted to undermine libertarianism and should
not be granted a platform.

*
Symbolic Richard Tucker

*

Richard Tucker represented an interesting symbolism
in the development of the American Jewish community.
Native born, he retained a traditional devotion to
Jewish traditions. Always devout, he did not abandon
his interest in the synagogue.- Although one of the great-
est of the Metropolitan Opera stars, he shared his fame
with his fellow worshippers. While appearing in the
leading operatic roles, he also inspired traditional con-
gregations as a Hazzan.
On Holy Days, at Passover sedorim, at daily services,
whether it was a shahrit, a minha or a mussaf, he was
the superb cantor. _
Because his heritage was sacred to him, he mastered
Yiddish and Hebrew songs as perfectly as he did the
operatic and the devotional.

Truth as a Basic Guideline in Ethical Journalism .
The American Experience of Jews Serving in High
Ranking U. S. Positions and Anti-Semitic Threats

He could not have become so beloved in Jewish ranks
without his deep interest in the advancement of educa-
tional needs in American Jewish life and the encourage-
ment he had given to the builders of Zion. He was a
Zionist and a devoted participant in movements in Israel's
interest. His name is linked with Israel's musical projects,
and the Israelis are not forgetting that when the Six-Day
War was preceded by Nasser's threats to destroy the
Jewish state he was among the fearless who remained
there to give his fellow Jews courage in the battle for
survival.
Therefore, he was a symbol of an emerging American
Jew deeply dedicated to a sacred heritage and a liber-
tarian Zionist who inspired his generation. Therefore, his
memory is being blessed by the millions who thrilled at
the sound of his voice and fellow Jews whose fate and
glory he shared with dignity.
*

How About an ABC for Illiterates
Instead of Arab Funds kit UNESCO?

Self-respecting scholars and responsible governments
are beginning to shake off the shame of UNESCO as it was -
created by the Russian-Arab bloc. Academicians are
leaving UNESCO's ranks and financial support has been
reduced for the massive palace that has been taken over
by endorsers of terrorism and cultural degradations.
So—the oil-infested Arab chancellories are now under-
taking to implement the funds that will be denied to a
once great cultural UN agency.
That's how Arabs operate: they'll back up an agency
that stands for their prejudicial principles. But why don't
they elevate the standards of living and culture in their
own lands? Why don't they aim to erase illiteracy in their
ranks—illiteracy that predominates in the Third World?
Perhaps elevation of literacy and economic conditions in
their own midst might also lead to better relations with a
little bit of a state that neighbors upon the fortresses of
illiteracy.
These are hopes reiterated in quest for peace. But this
repetitive expression for peace is so hopeless at present!

Edward Levi on the Scene;
Jews in Government Roles;
Shades of Brandeis, Morgenthau

It's worth recalling that when Louis D. Brandeis was
named by President Woodrow Wilson to the U.S. Supreme
Court, there was panic in Jewish ranks. Many in high
economic and communal roles feared that if Jews were
to assume high political positions they would add to the
existing anti-Semitism. It really didn't matter. Anti-Semitic
reasons were ascribable to the long battle that marked
the debates over Brandeis' qualifications for the high court.
President Wilson's stubborn backing of his friend and ap-
pointee was more successful than the antagonism of the
prejudiced against Jews and the fears of Jews themselves
—for the eventual benefit of this nation.
Similarly, when Henry Morgenthau Jr. was appointed
Secretary of the Treasury by President Franklin D. Roose-
velt, fear over a Jew in a high government role created
another wave of panic among Morgenthau's own Jewish
friends.
When Henry Morgenthau Sr. and Oscar Straus were
narked to ambassadorial posts, and other Jews were
named as envoys, there were no such fears among Jews.
Were those more rational years for America and the
nation's Jewish citizens? .

By Philip
Slomovitz

Now we have a renewal of a possible anti-Semitic
tendency in the announcement that Dr. EdWard Levi,
president of the University of Chicago, has been nominated
Attorney General. A Catholic writer in the Detroit News,
outraged by the opposition to Dr. Levi, suggested that
religious prejudice may be cause for opposition. Andrew
Greeley, in his syndicated column, stated, in a fuller article
that appeared in the Chicago Tribune:
One must raise at least a possibility that Levi's
religious background is counted against him., There is
still a lot of latent anti-Semitism in the boondocks of
American society. It scarcely seems possible that bigotry
would affect a decision on a Alan's ability to be attorney
general.
I am not sure myself how much the anti-Semitic
factor is at work; my own guess is that it might be
more important than a lot of sophisticated people would
be willing to admit to themselves_ more important than
the opposition would want to admit to themselves. It is
the only reason I can think of which explains the If,
irrationality of the opposition to Levi.
Have we reached a state in the post-Watergate
when distinguished and gifted men like Edward .
will simply refuse even to be considered for public
office? Character assassination from uninformed or ma-
licious congressmen; hounding by the vultures of the
press; long, painful and humiliating confirmation hear-
ings; a total loss of privacy and self-respect—these seem
to be the cost of even letting your name be considered
for public office.
One wonders how many men will want to be con-
sidered. If Edward Levi is shot down by a collection
of clowns and bigots- there will be many fewer men of
his caliber who will be willing to risk
the same humilia-
tion. No one could blame them.
The old Jewish fears about a Jew in a high U.S.
Cabinet post are no longer in evidence.
Perhaps this is an omen of better realism in Jewish
rapks.
Meanwhile, the Levi name is a subject for dispute.
There is no rest for the Jewish issue whenever a man of
prominence rises to high rank and national recognition.

'Yeisher from a Kozak'

,
In the best interests of Israel and Lebanon, an agree-
ment had been reached for a truce on their borders affect-
ing the olive picking season.
That did not interrupt Israel's attacks on the camps
whence the terrorists emanate for intrusions into Israel's
cities and their murderous attacks on women and children.
It has been asked, rightfully, if an agreement could
be made in behalf of peaceful farmers, why not also be-
tween nations? But that which could lead to peace, and
amity, is proscribed by the seekers of Israel's destruction.
In whose favor is time? Will it lead to rational ap-
proaches or does it give the enemies of the tiny Jewish
state an opportunity to poison the minds of their youth?
.From the very beginning of Israel's emergence into
renewed sovereign statehood it has been assumed that
Jordan or Lebanon or both would be the second to- make
peace with Israel. Egypt and Syria stand in the way, and
Iraq is irreconcilable. Therefore, time is menacing to
Israel, despite the retention of hope that the good sense
that makes an accord in 'support of farmers may even-
tually become a reality for all the peoples of the Middle
East who suffer from a state of war.

• •
Begin Proposes M.E. Armistice
for Israel and Arabs to Negotiate Peace
JERUSALEM
(JTA)—Men-
which
was
considered
delib-
must
be
conducted
on the body, half Israeli chosen by
ahem Begin opened the 12th

erately provocative by leftist
Other speakers warned of policy opposed the road to
national convention of Herut and doveish elements. Kiryat premise of mutual recogni- the Knesset, and half from
mass
unemployment that peace. -He said he would
tion
of
the
independence
and
at Kiryat Arba Sunday night Arba is the Jewish settle-
the Diaspora. He said the
with proposals for a three- ment established about five sovereignty of the negotiat- body would deal with "con- would demoralize the nation. bring up its participation in
Dr. Elbad Israel, a former the government in Labor
year armistice in the Middle years ago adjacent to the ing partners."
crete" issues such as Soviet
He said peace talks could immigration, the rescue of me m be r. of Lehi (Stern Party circles 'only if it
East during which' Israel large Arab town of Hebron
would try to negotiate peace on the West Bank. The con- be held in Jerusalem, in any Syrian Jews, assimilation Group) who topped the agreed in advance_to accept
treaties with its Arab neigh- vention. later moved to Tel Arab capital or in a neutral problems, the self-defense of "wanted list" d uring the the government's basic guide-
country and that each side Jews everywhere, and the British mandatory regime, lines on foreign policy.
boys and for the creation of Aviv.
was
entitled to bring its pro- protection of the J e w i s h charged that the Zionist vi-
Rabin heaped scorn on
a "joint council of the Jew-
Local Arab leaders, headed posals
to the negotiating state. He demanded that sion was "twisted and dis- Herut leader Begin's pro-
ish people" that would in- by Hebron Mayor Moham-
torted" by those governing posed three-year armistice.
volve Israeli and Diaspora med All Al Jaabari had table.
Jews everywhere counter
Begin did not mention Arab d e s f gn s to destroy Israel today.
Rabin termed the plan as
Jewry in a common effort raised s t r o n g objections.
There was an emotional "an unrealistic dream." He
"to defend the Jewish people Twenty left-wing demonstra- Herut's familiar stand that Israel.
call for a national unity coa-
and the Jewish state."
Meanwhile, the g o v e r n - lition from a Druze member said no American statesman
tors associated with the "not an inch" of the territory
The militant Herut leader Moked faction, were arrested captured by Israel in the Six- ment's economic, domestic of Herut, Moussa Assad, would give "a nickel" fo-
who, as a member of the by Jerusalem police when Day War should be returned and foreign policies w e r e whds'e brother was murdered Begin's proposal and nr,
Likud oppostion, is one of they attempted to stop cars to the Arabs. But he linked blasted by speakers in the by Palestinian terrorists in single U.S. Senator woul,
the harshest critics of the to
and K buses carrying delegates a settlement of the Palestin- second day of Herut's con- Rehaniyeh village two ready to discuss a Mk
ian refugee problem w i t h vention at Jabotinsky House
East settlement on the basis
government's foreign and do-
Kiryat Arba.
months ago.
compensation for J ewis h
of the Begin plan.
mestic policies, delivered the
Demonstrators also assem- refugees from Arab coun- in Tel Aviv.
Premier Yitzhak Rabin did
The Herut convention dele-
opening address before an bled outside the residence of
Dr. Yohanan Bader,- a vet- not remain silent under Herut
overflow . crowd of 2,500 in President Ephraim Katzir in tries.
eran MK and. Herut's eco- attacks. Addressing a delega- gates appeared as interested
Addressing himself to nomic spokesman, claimed
in internal party changes as
a large hall designated for
an industrial project at Kir- Rehavia to protest his at- world Jewry, the Her u t that the government's eco- tion of the Israeli Students' in changing the government's
tendance
at
the
convention.
leader said his proposed joint nomic p r o g r a m, launched Union which supports a na- policies. A special committee
yat Arba,
tional unity government, Ra- was set up to propose a new
Begin agreed that Israel council would not replace ex- last November
with the de-
The most controversial as-
should take the initiative for isting bodies such as the valuation of the pound, was bin said a partnership with central committee. Pressures
pect of the Herut convention peace with its neighbors and
Likud, of which Herut is one
was its choice of its site stressed th at negotiations World Zionist Organization, doomed to failure and would of the major constituents, developed from many quar-
the World Jewish Congress have to be replaced with a
ters, especially the younger
and local Zionist federations. new economic plan within a would "totally isolate Is- Herut elements, for new faces
2 Friday, January 17, 1975
rael."
THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS
He proposed a 60-member few months.
in th factions go v erning
He charged that Likud's bodies
.6_ .••
•••• 11-,114tr.

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