Throughout his storied career as an activist, rabbi, and communal leader, Rabbi Joachim Prinz’s commitment to social justice was manifest in his compelling writings and speeches. As a young rabbi in Germany, Prinz steadfastly criticized the Nazi regime in his sermons and writings; after his expulsion from Germany in 1937 by the Nazi government, he immigrated to the United States. During Prinz’s tenure as president (1958-1966) of the American Jewish Congress, one of the most prominent American Jewish public policy and advocacy organizations, he delivered what is likely considered his most famous address, entitled “The Issue is Silence,” at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.
The AJ Congress records are a rich resource for Prinz’s writings, including policy papers, sermons, convention speeches, and addresses marking both national and Jewish holidays. This collection includes several examples of Prinz’s Passover messages, which highlight the resonance of the holiday’s themes of liberation with the organization’s combatting of discrimination and anti-Semitism, both at home and abroad.
Passover Message, March 26, 1964
by
Rabbi Joachim Prinz,
President of the American Jewish Congress
The ancient festival of Passover marks the first struggle in recorded history for both national independence and religious liberty. Yet we need not confine ourselves to the past to see examples of the yearning for human dignity and human freedom felt by men of all races and religions. In our own day, in our own land of America and among our own Jewish people, the struggle goes on.
At home, the American Negro seeks to achieve that full measure of equality which our country promises to every citizen. He will not rest until that promise is fulfilled.
In Soviet Russia, a land not blessed by liberty, millions of our fellow-Jews yearn desperately to keep alive their link with the spiritual and cultural heritage of Judaism, a link their rulers would sever. American Jews will not rest until our fellow-Jews are able to observe their ancient faith and practice their traditional culture.
In Israel, a brand-new nation based on the timeless utterances of the prophets is taking shape despite economic hardships, hostile neighbors furnished with Communist arms and — as recently revealed — scientists working on new weapons of mass destruction. Here, too, we shall not rest until the people of Israel are able to live in peace and security.
To the Jews of America, who enjoy the blessings of liberty, Passover is a summons to join in the struggles for human dignity taking place in our own day. As we celebrate this festival, let us commit ourselves to the unfinished business of freedom — this precious gift that must be ever achieved, ever preserved, ever extended.
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The finding aid as well as select digital materials of the Records of The American Jewish Congress I-77 can be found here.
