'No aspersions’ intended against Chch Jews

Press, 17 July 1978, Page 6

'No aspersions’ intended against Chch Jews

Christchurch women whoi demonstrated on Friday against Soviet treatment of I dissidents, have said theyi regret any aspersions cast on the Jewish ('immunity in Christchurch. Mrs Hazel Tait, a Waimairi County Councillor, was among the demonstrators, and was quoted in “The Press" on Saturday as saving that the Jewish community would not join them.

She said then that the Jewish people she had been in touch with had not wanted to demonstrate because they were afraid of latent antiSemitism in Christchurch. Mrs Tait said in a letter to “The Press” ..sterday.

however, that there had been [reaction from some members 'of the Canterbury Hebrew I Congregation. This organisation had been inadvertently |overlooked during the demonstrators’ extensive efforts to Icontact Jews in Christchurch, I she said. I “We sincerely regret this omission and any reflection imy quoted remarks may have [cast on the local Jewish com- . munity.

"Members of the congregation have informed us that

had they been aware of our demonstration they would have been prepared to join us.” This wah although it coincided with the Jewish

Sabbath and would have excluded many orthodox Jews, said Mrs Tait.

To demonstrate the, women's sincerity and continuing concern, they intended to hold an all-day vigil in Cathedral Square on Friday. All who cared deeply about the plight of human I rights campaigners were invited to attend, she said. [ A group was being formed [to support defenders of [human rights in the Soviet Union. Mrs Tait said. Letters had been sent to the Russian Ambassador, to the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon), and to the wives of Soviet dissidents on trial.