Meeting bans rabbi

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32541, 26 February 1971, Page 9

Meeting bans rabbi

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) BRUSSELS, Feb. 25. The American film producer, Otto Preminger, accused the stormy World Congress on Sovi t Jews of “reacting in the same contemptible way as Nazis and Russian Communists” in barring a militant New York rabbi from its meeting in Brussels. The 64-year-old Mr Preminger—whose screen epic, “Exodus,” depicted creation of the modem State of Israel —spoke out last night when angry exchanges and scuffles highlighted a conference split between moderates and activists among the 700 delegates over winning more rights for Jews in Russia. The bitterness reached its height after the film-maker’s outburst over the organisers’ ban on Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose militant Jewish Defence League had made attacks on Soviet property in New York. Rabbi Kahane had hoped to put a 10-point plan to the congress on the plight of Soviet Jews, but was not allowed to take part in the meeting. Later arrested and expelled from Belgium after being described by police as “a potential source of trouble here,” the rabbi flew to London. Part of his plan included a campaign to make the life of every Soviet citizen in the West intolerable. In London, the rabbi said that the Belgian Government’s action was unjustifiable. “I think that any time there is pressure to have someone whose views are not popular silenced, it is very,

very bad—not just for myself but for the general process of democracy.” The rabbi said that he did not plan to return to Brussels to make a protest over his expulsion. His departure caused angry exchanges between delegates and it had been felt the rabbi was liable to cause a disturbance if he had spoken. Security staff were given strict orders to bar him entry because his organisation advocated violence and had no place in the congress.

It was later, at a symposium by a panel of artists, scientists, and writers, that Mr Preminger branded official action as comparable with that of Soviet Communists and Nazis. His remark drew a hail of cheers and abuse, and the conference again appeared on the verge of breakup until Mr Preminger apologised for his comparison. He added that while he disapproved of the violent gospel of Rabbi Kahane’s Jewish Defence League, it had a right to be heard. This comment won much wider applause and less strident opposition. The conference will enter its third and final session today and the delegates from 38 countries are expected to endorse a "Brussels appeal” calling for Soviet Jews to be allowed their own culture and the right to emigrate if they wish.