Jews in Various Countries Hold Memorial Services for Kennedy

Jewish congregations throughout the United Kingdom, led by Dr. Israel Brodie, the Chief Rabbi, held memorial services for the late President John F, Kennedy and heard him eulogized as a man who had sought peace and equality for all. The Chief Rabbi officiated at services in St. John’s Wood Synagogue and recited the traditional Hebrew memorial prayer for the assassinated President.

French Jewry in general, including the Jews of Paris, participated today in mourning for the late President John F. Kennedy. Commemorative services were held in many temples and synagogues. At the main synagogue here, on Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, leaders of the Paris Jewish community held special commemorative services, during which the Kaddish was recited and in which Mr. Kennedy was lauded as “a true friend of the Jewish people.” Participating in these services were Dr. Jacob Kaplan, Grand Rabbi of Paris; and Louis Kahn, head of the French Jewish Consistoire. Other Jewish leaders attended the official American services held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, in the presence of the American diplomatic corps.

Memorial services for the late President John. F. Kennedy were held in the crowded Rome Synagogue here yesterday in the presence of all leaders of the Jewish community, organization officials and representatives of the embassies of the United States and Israel.

Professor Fritz Feigl, president of the Confederation of Brazilian Jewish Communities, today expressed the condolence of Brazilian Jewry to American Ambassador Lincoln Gordon over the tragic death of President Kennedy. Prof. Feigl described the late President as a “champion and fighter for human rights and men’s freedom.”

The Argentine Jewish community has canceled all scheduled functions as a mark of respect for the late President Kennedy and is observing mourning. The DAIA, the central Jewish body in Argentina, and other Jewish groups have sent messages of condolence to U.S. Ambassador Robert McClintock.

A major function, the dedication of the new building of the Bialik School in La Plata, at which the Governor of Buenos Aires Province, the Israel Ambassador and other notables were to have spoken, was canceled when news of Mr. Kennedy’s death was received here. The gala affair was to have been held yesterday.