Exchange with Jane Gottlieb about Inaccurate New York Times Coverage of Exodus March (1970)

1. Jane Gottlieb to R. Lamm (Apr. 29, 1970)

1. Jane Gottlieb to R. Lamm (April 29, 1970)

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Exchange with Dr. Marvin Schick about Mayor Lindsay's Absence from Exodus March (1970)

Dear Marvin: I was glad to see you and have you accompany us at the Exodus March for Soviet Jewry on April 26th. I am sure you will agree that the thousands of people present (and there were, to my mind, closer to 30,000 than the 20,000 reported in the media) constituted a powerful moral force on behalf of our cause. The reason I write to you – and this is being done in a purely personal capacity, especially since I intend shortly to relinquish my post as Chairman of the New York Conference on Soviet Jewry – is to impress upon your associates how grievously they misjudged the situation.Every politician of note, especially those interested in either securing or retaining the political allegiance of this segment of the electorate, was present and participated. The crowds responded to them enthusiastically. Lindsay was not there—and I flinched and blanched when, upon announcing receipt of his telegram, his name was greeted with loud booing.I heard comments about it later in the afternoon. People wanted to know why, of all prominent officials, he was absent. The old, pre-election animosity towards Lindsay was reawakened. The most current remark referred to the fact that this was not a municipal election year, and so “Lindsay doesn’t need us.”I need not tell you that this will do him no good; voters’ memories are not that short. I fear that those who advised the Mayor against coming have misled him and done him a real disservice. I am genuinely sorry about this, because I like the man.Sincerely yours,RABBI NORMAN LAMM NL/e

Soviet Jewry

Exchange with Janet Goller about the Exodus March (1970)

Dear Rabbi Lamm, I had to leave the "Exodus" assemblage early last Sunday and did not have the oppotunity to pay good-by or to tell you how much I particularly enjoyed your opening remarks. The Dayenu "dance" was superb and evoked a truly exciting (and excited) response. Thwe entire event was, in fact, a memorable one of which we all, and especially you, as chairman, can be found. Congratulations! Sincerely, Janet

Soviet Jewry

Exchange with R. Harold Gordon about Mistake in Press Release about Board of Rabbis' Involvement in Exodus March (1970)

Dear Dr. Gordon: I was moved by your very warm words of welcome to the Presidency of Yeshiva. Although we have met each other only briefly, I feel that you are a real friend. The quote from John Gardner is so very appropriate, that I expect to use it on more than one occasion. I shall most certainly keep it in mind, and I accept your suggestions as good medical advice, sound administrative counsel, and just plain good sense. Thank you for everything, but above all for your friendship. Cordially yours, Norman Lamm

Soviet Jewry