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Correspondence

Apr. 9, 1961

Letter to Robin Gilbert about JDC Assistance in India (1961)

India
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Correspondence

Exchange with Robin Gilbert about Impartiality in JDC (1961)

Dear Mr. Gilbert: I am sorry that I was not able to visit with you in Switzerland or wait for you in India. I am glad, however, that you have finally arrived in India, and I trust that you will fulfill all the great expectations held forth for the J.B.C. and for you in particular in India. I had wanted to discuss with you the highly complex problems in Bombay, especially regarding the schools. As you doubtless know, these things can become very complicated. May I make a suggestion? The J.B.C. in all its endeavors throughout the world has always been rightfully famous for its impartiality in regard to local controversies. I would therefore make this completely confidential recommendation to you: Perhaps the Educational Board in Bombay also includes some people other than the Katznelson group. There are men like Mr. D. N. Jhirad, Mr. Saul Ezekiel, Mr. E. S. Benjamin, and others, who are well known in Bombay Jewish circles, and are respected as competent and disinterested community representatives. I am saying this not because I blame that group which has already made arrangements to present you such educational problems as may concern the J.B.C.; rather, I am suggesting that in order to avoid any unnecessary beginnings that may lead to misunderstanding, you attempt to begin on what they both regard as neutral territory, to avoid the very beginnings of suspicion or prejudices. Do let me hear from you re: your progress. Our Indian brethren are sometimes headaches and I hope that you will steel yourself to their temperaments and thus keep happy and healthy. With all good wishes. Sincerely yours, Rabbi Norman Lamm
India

Correspondence

Letter from Moses Feuerstein on Distribution of JDC Funds in India (1961)

Dear Norman: I have read with interest copies of the letters which you sent me dated March 23rd – one from Robin Gilbert of the JDC and the other from A. Menasseh. A familiar pattern is emerging here. We are being enmeshed in the gibberish of JDC channels. The only logical outcome must be the elimination of the Orthodox community from the distribution of JDC funds. Certainly, the Orthodox can only expect to be a very small minority in the JDC set-up. There are two alternatives: (1) The setting up of a welfare association within the orthodox community. Regardless of how small, this will entitle the orthodox community to representation, according to the gibberish of JDC channels. Menasseh can be instructed to organize the committee immediately, giving it the gibberish name that makes it mandatory for the JDC to include them.(2) The assumption of leadership of the welfare agencies by orthodox people, such as occurs rarely. The only example in the Western community I know of is Antwerp, in part. This does not seem possible for India, according to my limited knowledge of the situation.It is important that we crystalize our thinking very quickly before the JDC operation in India assumes too much precedence and formality. Please let me have your thoughts on the matter.With kindest personal regards, I remainSincerely yours,Moses I. Feuerstein
India

Correspondence

Letter to Moses Feuerstein about the JDC in India (1961)

Dear Moe: I am acknowledging receipt of your two most recent letters, the first a reminder about the J.D.C. in India and the second a request for someone to represent the Union in the U.N. committee. Let me say first of all that if the United States missile program were as well-scheduled as your missive program that we might be getting someplace in international rocketry. Now, concerning the J.D.C. – whatever can possibly be done from America has already been done. I have been corresponding with Gilbert, the J.D.C. man, Manasseh, our president, and Jhirad, our executive director. Whatever other pressures can be put on J.D.C. to work along with us will have to wait until Rabbi Jung’s return sometimes next week.With regard to the U.N, committee, I am not quite sure what is needed, nor why a man of financial means is necessary for this task. Perhaps you will be able to explain to me when we meet.Mr. Moses FeuersteinMay 9, 1961We still have not set a date to meet with Max Stern.With best regards.Sincerely,Rabbi Norman Lamm
India