St. Paul recorder., 1961-07-28
Texas Robbi's Tuke
Firm Position On
Theufre InfeqFufioD
(FrOm National Jewish Post &
Opinion)


Austin, Texas (P-O) - Leaders
of the Jewish community here are
taking up the cudgels for inte-
grafton of the local movie houses
against the outspoken opposi-
ton of some Of their own congre-
gates, and even despite lack of
support from co-religionists in the
North.
This state capital is the home of
the integrated University Of Texas
and two movie houses. One Is a
subsidiary of ABC Paramount and
the other is owned by Trans-Texas
Theatres, Jews are prominent in
the management and ownership
of both theaters, which refuse to
admit Negroes on an unsegregated
basis.
After months Of picketing and
other persuasion, the leaders of
the two congregations here-Rab-
bi Charles D. Mintz, Temple Beth
Israel, and Rabbi Donald D. Crane,
Congregation Agudas Achim -
joined with DR.. Alber Kleiman,
president of the Austin B'nai
Birth to support boycott of the
ABC Paramount theater's showing
of Exodus.
More than Casual Interest"
Obviously" said the three in a
open letter to Austin Jews, I'VE
Jews have more than a casual
interest in this film and under nor
NAL circumstances would make
every effort to see it. However,
circumstances are anything but
normal. Exodus depicts the story
of our peoples fight for freedom
and human dignity. In many ways,
it is a symbol of our peoples will
to be free. We seriously question
whether Jews who are so proud of
the successful struggle to estab-
lish the State of Israel ought to
participate in the deliberate prac-
tice of discrimination against our
fellow American citizens :"
The Austin Jewish leaders not
ed that I'VE raise this question as
an issue of conscience. We do not
advocate any particular course Of
action, but we hope that you will
search your soul before crossing
the picket lines in front of the
theater."
Whether they searched their
souls or not, about half Of Austin's
Jews did see the picture regard
less of segregation issues - but
the other half did not.
Prominent In Philanthropy
Head of the theater chain show
ing the picture is Leonard Golden
son of New York, Prominent in
philanthropic work (including a
leading role in the United Negro
College FUND.- he nevertheless has
been unable to satisfy Jewish or
other civil rights advocates that
the ABC Paramount chain he
heads is doing all it can to end
segregation in its Southern the
aters.
Mr.. Goldenson Is a congregant
Of Temple Emanuel of Westches-
ter County, headed by Rabbi S.
Andhil Feinberg, a foremost civil
rights advocate within the Amer
can Jewish Committee. Reached by
POST and OPINION in rural Ves-
mont, where he is working on a
book about racial relations, Rabbi
Feinberg was asked whether he
would, If on the scene back in
Westchester, intercede with con-
gregant Goldenson on behalf Of
the Texas civil rights advocates.
II might -" Rabbi Feinberg
told POST and OPINION, I'm
not saying would" Just because
he's spiritual leader Of the congre-
CATION" Rabbi Feinberg continued,
doesn't give me a right to inter-
fere with individual members Of
my congregation"
Asked what he would do If such
as Mr.. Goldenson were in his con-
gregation, Rabbi Mintz of Austin
replied: "Tl do you one better
the head of the other theater
chain were trying to force out Of
segregation practices is not only
a member of my congregation,
he's also been - until last week
- member Of my board Of trlIs-
tees"
Rabbi Mintz emphasized that
Earl Podolnick, head Of the sec
ond theater chain, is no longer
on the board Of trustees of Aus
tins Temple Beth Israel solely
because of a normal electoral
turnover" However, he adds,
there's no doubt in either's mind
where the other stands.
Despite concern of congregants
that application Of Jewish ethics
can be dangerous in the South,
Rabbi Mintz insists: IT have no al
tentative. It's a matter Of cons
cience."
Georgia plant.