SHOFAR B'nai B'rith Youth Organization ALEPH ZADIK ALEPH (AZA) B'NAI B'RITH GIRLS (BBG) JUNE, 1972 BBG'ers (top to bottom) Judy Marx, Marlene Kroloff, and Wendy Sagal ask Con- gresswoman Bella Abzug her views on Jewish women, the Mideast, Vietnam, and other controversial subjects in this exclusive Shofar interview. BELLA SPEAKS OUT Without doubt, one of the more controversial and flamboyant members and was almost lynched while serving as defense attorney in an early civil of the House of Representatives is Congresswoman Bella Abzug. The Con- rights case. In one year, the Congresswoman has sponsored or co-sponsored gresswoman has been associated with those vigorously opposed to the war more than 100 bills on peace, aid to Israel, women's rights, rent control, in Southeast Asia. child care, water pollution, help for the elderly, crime and narcotics control, The first Jewish woman to be elected to Congress in five decades, she civil liberties, welfare, Soviet anti-semitism, housing, social security, and has outstanding credentials in both Jewish and political circles. Congress- woman Abzug has attended the Jewish Theological Seminary, was a Sunday more. School Hebrew Teacher, has received the 1971 and 1972 "Quality of Life" As part of BBYO's continuing program of political involvement, a group Awards from B'nai B'rith, and is a member of Washington's Executive chap- of BBG members from Greater Washington Council interviewed Mrs. ter of B'nai B'rith Women. She helped draft legislation that eventually Abzug. Putting the questions to the only Jewish woman in Congress were became the Civil Rights Act of 1954 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as Judy Marx, Washington Council N'siah; Marlene Kroloff, Council S'ganit; an attorney defended many victims of the notorious Senator Joe McCarthy, and Wendy Sagal, former N'siah of Beth Kadima BBG. Q. How do you feel as a Jewish woman in the year when women are organizing to demand an withdrawal from occupied lands now is irrele- Government! Or do you prefer to keep these roles equal voice in government, Congresswoman vant and premature in the absence of such an separate! Chisholm's candidacy challenges the concept agreement and in view of the renewed threats A. As the only Jewish woman in Congress (and that the American Presidency is the sole preserve against Israel made recently by President Sadat the second in its entire history), I feel a very spe- of the American white male. It symbolizes the of Egypt. I support the reunification of Jerusalem cial sense of responsibility to raise issues of demand of women, minorities and other unrep- under Israeli rule. The Jewish authorities have concern to the Jewish people both in Congress resented Americans for a full share in govern- provided and guaranteed free access to the holy and elsewhere. I have spoken out and introduced ment decision making. I think she has performed places for people of all religions, including Arabs, legislation on the issues of peace, civil liberties, a service by raising these issues. and I believe this should continue in effect. aid to Israel, Soviet anti-Semitism, emigration Q. What are your views on the Mideast situa- Q. How do you feel about the Forest Hills hous- of Jews to the United States, and the Jewish poor. tion? The return of occupied land? The status of ing project in Queens! On the last issue, I have met with the leading Jew- Jerusalem! A. There is an incréasing ethnic polarization in ish women's organizations to work out a program A. The cease fire has now been in effect for 21 New York City which can have tragic implica- of action to help the group that has been called months and I hope that never again will Israel tions for all of us. Naturally, people are concerned "the invisible Jewish poor." Most of these are have to fight to survive. Obviously, it must be about crime and personal safety. However, I have elderly people, and aid to the elderly has been of fully prepared at all times to ensure its survival supported the Forest Hills Project because, as I particular interest to me. Perhaps it is because and that is why I believe the United States gov- said in a statement issued last November, "It is I have an 84-year-old mother and know how ernment should send Israel the military and eco- vital that the city continue to provide low- many problems beset men and women in this age nomic aid it needs to protect itself. Unlike the income housing for the poor and the elderly, group. Fortunately, my mother has a loving fam- corrupt and dictatorial regime of General Thieu who include people from all ethnic and racial ily, but so many old people are alone. in South Vietnam, Israel is a bastion of democ- groups-Black, White, Puerto Rican and Asian, Q. How do you feel about Shirley Chisholm? Do racy. It has not asked for our soldiers. It is fully Jew and Gentile. These projects represent an ef- you think she is accomplishing anything good! prepared to defend itself with the necessary as- fort to stop the quarantine of two polarized socie- A. Congresswoman Chisholm and I have a very sistance. The long range hope for peace in the ties in our city. I would hope that those in the friendly and close working relationship. She and I Mideast lies in direct negotiations between the community who oppose the project would work co-sponsored a comprehensive child care bill, and Israelis and Arabs to achieve a firm settlement to integrate the elderly and the low income peo- we have worked together on other issues. In this with secure and agreed upon borders. Any talk of ple into the life of the neighborhood." Continued