62 Friday, May 29, 1981 THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS Death of George Jessel Ends Long Show Business Career LOS ANGELES — George Jessel, a comedian whose show business career lasted more than three de- cades and who was dubbed by President Harry S. Tru- man the "Toastmaster Gen- eral of the U.S.," died May 24 at age 83. The entertainer, who raised millions of dollars for Jewish and charitable organizations, was most famous for his appearance in the 1925 play "The Jazz Singer." He was approached to play the lead role in the movie version, the first "talkie," but lost it to Al Jol- son due to a contract dis- pute. died when Mr. Jessel was 9 years old, he sang in the aisles of the nickelodeon as the reels were changed. From there he went to vaudeville, where he met Eddie Cantor and Walter Winchell. Mr. Jessel drew from his Jewish back- ground for material for his routines. The decline of vaudeville was actually a lucky break for Mr. Jessel, who went on to star in many Broadway productions. He was a writer, producer and in some cases the star of the GEORGE JESSEL His father prohibited him show. Between 1943 and 1953, from going into show busi- ness, but after his father he pursued a career in Hol- His speechmaking ta- lywood, appearing in some films and producing others. lents were known far and Israel was among his wide and he often delivered major interests and he gave eulogies at funerals. On much time and energy to Is- Wednesday, his boyhood rael Bonds and other drives. friend, Milton Berle, deliv- During several visits to Is- ered the eulogy at the fun- rael he traveled in cars plas- eral for Mr. Jessel. tered with signs reading, "This is the Toastmaster Tomatoes Boom General of the U.S." in Big Apple The City of Hope also JERUSALEM (JNI) — benefited from his fund- raising talents. He held Israel-grown tomatoes are honorary membership in currently selling for $2.45 per pound in New York. The 188 synagogues. In 1970, he was honored hothouse tomatoes, bigger with the Jean Hersholt and juicier than their U.S. Humanitarian Award of the counterparts, are in de- Academy of Motion Picture mand even at the relatively high price. Arts and Sciences. DECLARATION OF FAITH IN ZIONISM AND ISRAEL Adopted by the American Assembly for Zionism and Israel REAFFIIZM our commitment to Zionism, asserting its profound moral purpose. and rededicating ouN•lves to the further realization of its historic ideals. 0ur act of reaffirmation has been occasioned by our deep concern over the continuing assaults. particularly in ihe major forums of the international community iii )on the values. the accomplishments, even the name of Zionism. WE REAFFIRM our commitment to Zionism as an ideology arld a movement whose purpose is the cultural revitalization. the spiritual renewal. and the political and economic self-determination of the Jewish people. Its achievements in the past century include the reclamation and rebuilding of that people's desolated ancestral homeland, and the establishment there of the State of Israel. In that State. Jews from all parts of the Diaspora, seeking physical refuge or spiritual growth. become citizens of a free, democratic, and pro g ressive society WE REAFFIRM our commitment to Zionism as an id eology whose purpose is the safeguarding of ihe f undamental human rights of Jewish individuals and communities anywhere in the world. The Zionist idea continues to serve as a beacon and a catalyst in the struggle for human rights. Thus. Zionism has been in the forefront of the search for cultural and religious freedom by those who face the denial of their individual humanity or communal aspirations. WE REAFFIRM our commitment to Zionism as a philosophy whose purpose is the preservation and invigoration of the values embodied in the historic traditions of Judaism Durfing the.past cii.nturv. Zionism has brought about the renewal of the Hebrew language, and has given new meaning and vitality to the millenial Jewish religious and cultural heritage. Sensitive' to its religious traditions, Zionism has accorded the highest respect to freedom of worship. Thus. the rights of the other great world religions which have historic: association with the I loly Land and their sacred sites, are protected in Israel in a manner unparalleled in the long history of Zion anc1 Jerusalem. In reaffirming our commitment to Zionism, in its past record of accomplishment anti in its present endeavor. WC take full measure of its tasks and promise for the future. The historic experience of the United States over two centuries and of Israel over three decades has etched in die consciousness of humanity a deep awareness that societies. made up of people who have found refuge by choosing to pioneer under conditions of adversity in a land of liberty can make Inyaluahle contributions to peace and justice, through the furtherance 01 their common ideals and values and the nurturing of their common spiritual roots. In this awareness. as Americans, we dedicate ourselves anew to these cherished aims: • The security of Israel and of the Jewish people throughout the world • The achievement of peace between Israel and her .Aral) neighbors • The strengthening of the social and economic fabric 01 Israeli society as an integral part 01 the general welfare and stability of the Middle East • The enhancement of Jewish religioUs and cultural expression. which will serve to enrich the spiritual future of all nations The ideals. which Zionism formulated and has sought to realize. are timele.ss; aspirations of the human spirit: security freedom. autonomy growth. and renewal. Zionism has succeeded in nurturing these universal values \vithin the particular frame of ihe Jewish experience. In doing so. it has had to withstand the forces o f d ark ness an d t error, w h ose n u cl ei.; upon the Jewish people is unique in the annals of modern history We arc thelefore dedicated to the proposition that the course of the Zionist struggle for the security and normalization of Jewish existence. and 1or the fulfillment ot Jewish ideals and prophetic values. has lasting significance for all mankind. it is our profound hope t hat abiding faith in these human values and aspirations will be as a light unto the nations in this generation and for evermore. Elizabeth Bruss Elizabeth W. Bruss, a former Detroiter who was a professor of English at Amherst (Mass.) College and chairman of the col- lege's English department, died May 8 at age 36. Born in Detroit, Mrs. Bruss earned BA, MA and PhD degrees from the Uni- versity of Michigan, where she was a teaching fellow. She was a member of the Amherst Jewish Commu- nity Center. She is survived by her husband, Neal H.; her father, Melvin C. Wissman of Plainville, Conn.; and a sister, Mrs. Jane Buxton, also of Plainville. Spend your money on good books and you'll find its equivalent in gold of in- telligence. —Immanuel Monument Unveilings The family of the late Gussie Jacobs announces the unveiling of a monu- ment in her memory 11 a.m. Sunday, May 31, at Hebrew Memorial Park. Rabbi Sperka will officiate. Rela- tives and friends are asked to attend. / The Family of the Late DOROTHY BORDEN Announces the un- veiling of a monument in her memory 11:15 a.m. Sunday, June 7, at Machpelah Cemetery. Rabbi Stanley Rosen- baum will officiate. Relatives and friends are asked to attend. The Family of the Late HARRY BROWN Announces the un- veiling of ,a monument in his memory 10 a.m. Sunday, June 7, at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Rabbi Ernst Conrad will officiate. Relatives and friends are asked to attend. - The Family of the Late DAVID COOPER Announces the un- veiling of a monument in his memory 11 a.m. Sunday, June 7, at Machpelah Cemetery. Rabbi Stanley Rosen- baum will officiate. Relatives and friends are asked to attend. The Family of the Late STELLA GOLDMAN Announces the un- veiling of a monument in her memory 11 a.m. Sunday, June 7, at Nusach H'Ari Cemetery (Woodward, south of Nine Mile). Rabbi Ben- jamin Gorrelick will of- ficiate. Relatives and friends are asked to attend. ■