By the Grace of G-dBrooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Thank you very much for your letter, pursuant to our meeting and discussions on various important matters in the interests of the community.

I wish to assure you of my sincere appreciation for the opportunity of this meeting with you and your colleagues. I trust that it will be productive of tangible results in the spirit and direction of our talks.

At this time, I would like to recall two points for particular attention.

Firstly, I would like to emphasize again the special opportunity which the Federation enjoys in regard to promoting the useful coexistence of the various segments of the population, particularly with a view to making it easier for Jews to live their Jewish life in peace and security. This could be actively promoted by a friendly approach on the part of the administrative personnel of the Federation vis‑a‑vis those who administer the various institutions supported by the Federation, in the direction of enlightening them as to the Jewish psychology and way of life. I believe that such an elucidation would be well received, especially considering the long-term mutual association of the respective staffs. It is to be hoped that this approach would eventually provide a turning point in the efforts to gain a better attitude toward, and understanding of, the Jewish position. For, instead of trying to curb outbreaks of violence, etc., by punitive measures, which are not very effective deterrents, the suggested approach would hopefully be more effective as a preventive measure, since it would clear away much of the misunderstanding, suspicion and animosity, and create a healthier climate all around.

There is surely no need to elaborate on this to you and your colleagues. I would only add that this kind of effort thrives best when carried out unofficially and with discretion.

The second point which I emphasize also in conversations with communal workers in other countries, but which is especially important in the U.S.A. because of its largest Jewish community in the world, has to do with education. There is an urgent need for a radical change in the approach to the educational needs of the Jewish community. The problem of Jewish education is so vital and urgent in the present day, that conventional methods cannot be applied. If there was a time when programs and projects were determined by available funds, the method must now be reversed: to ascertain, first, the necessary program, and then seek the funding. Even if this would entail a deficit in the first year or two, it is certain that it would eventually be covered. Experience on the American scene has amply borne this out, namely, that where a project was considered vitally important, the financial means for it were not lacking. Indeed, there is a simple answer to the budgetary argument: a deficit can be covered sooner or later without ill effects; but failure to meet educational needs today cannot be rectified tomorrow. Those children who, for lack of facilities, fall prey to the alienating forces of the environment are irretrievably lost. One cannot ignore the fact, if in olden days it was possible to fall back upon the good influence of the home, or even grandparents, etc.—these influences are unfortunately minimal or nonexistent in the present day and age in the U.S.A., where the young generation receives most of its influence and inspiration outside the home or synagogue.

With personal regards to you and your colleagues, and hoping to hear further good news from you,

With esteem and blessing,