Convention of Rothodox Rabbis Considers Wise Controversy

The controversy which arose as a result of the protest of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis against Dr. Stephen S. Wise came to an end Thursday, following a special convention of rabbis called by the Union.

Many rabbis from various cities participated in the convention which was held at the Broadway Central Hotel.

The session was held behind closed doors and a heated discussion was reported as having taken place on a proposal submitted to the convention by the Executive Committee of the Union.

It was declared that the proposal contained an exchange of letters between the Union of Orthodox Rabbis and the Zionist Organization of America. At the close of the meeting, late at night, the following statement was issued.

“The convention of Orthodox Rabbis confirms the decision of the Executive Committee concerning Dr. Wise. Concerning the work for the reconstruction of Palestine, every rabbi is free to work according to his views and inclinations.”

This resolution was proposed by Rabbi Dr. Hillel Klein. The reason for Dr. Klein’s resolution was that in view of the fact that the Union of Orthodox Rabbis consists not only of Zionists, but also Mizrachi members and members of the Agudath Israel the duty of working for the United Palestine. Appeal cannot be imposed upon all members of the Union.

The convention was opened by Rabbi Israel Rosenberg with an address in which he recommended the acceptance of a peace resolution submitted by the Peace Committee. Rabbi Joseph Kanovitz and Rabbi Siegel who endeavored to smooth out the controversy in a peaceful way also presided during the day’s session.