Verhovayak Lapja, 1944 (27. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)

1944 / Verhovay Journal

November 29, 1944 Verhova'S Journal Towards Greater Unity (Continued from Page 2) George Lányi, rabbi of the New Light Temple of New York, N. Y., the Rev. Dr. Charles Vincze of Perth Amboy, N. J., president of the Reformed Ministerial As­sociation, Peter Suta, President of the American Life and Sick Benefit Assn., Dr. Frank Ujuaki, president of the American Hun­­gairan Reformed Federation, and in addition to the speakers al­ready mentioned, Msgr. Elmer Eörödgh of Toledo, O., Frank Po­­korny, state-representative, presi­dent of the United Hungarian Or­ganizations of Cleveland, O., Dr. Béla Szapponyos, President of the American Hungarian Federation, Mr. John Bencze, Supreme Presi­dent of the Verhovay F.I.A., and Vendel Pári, President of the American Hungarian Catholic In­surance Association. The speaker’s table was a true symbol cf the spirit of the con­vention which was determined to meet the challenge of the present in one mind, with united action. CLERGYMEN SPEAK The introductions were follow­ed by three Hungarian addresses delivered by American Hungarian clergymen. A Catholic priest, Jewish rabbi, and a Prostestant minister spoke to the audience, each expressing the urge, pre­valent among Americans of Hun­garian descent, to forget all that separated the different groups and denominations in the past and to draw together in an effort to contribute our best towards tlfe creation of a better world. THE CATHOLIC PRIEST Msgr. Elmer Eordogh spoke of the tragedy of the Hungarian people. Then he pointed out that the sufferings of the Hungarian nation will bear some good fruits, too. For the first time in Amer­ican Hungarian history he saw Hungarians united at the Relicf­­meeting in New York. He cau­tioned the audience, however, saying: “When we help the people of Hungary, let us not do so with the complacency of rich people who can easily give of their plenty, but rather let us give with a deep sense of duty, which we have received from God, to help our own blood over there. Hoping that in this task we shall be one, I embrace all Hungarians in America. May God grant that this unity of ours shall remain even after the Relief-program has been finished.” THE JEWISH RABBI Dr. George Lányi started with the story-of the tower of Babel. That tower was built against. God and, therefore, God mixed up the tongues and thoughts of the builders so that they could never finish their work. • “For the first time — he said — Catholics, Protestants and Jews meet in one purpose. We are now building a tower. But our tower is the tower of Hungarian thought and Hungarian future and that purpose will succeed because si meets the purpose of God.” “What is God? He is perfect justice. This justice is before our eyes when we consider what Hungarians do for America and also when we think of v/’nat Hungarians expect of America.” “When, at the end of the first World War, Wilson went to Europe and met Clemenceau, the French statesman said to him: “Moses gave his people only ten commandments, and you want to give us 14 points-” Wilson re­plied: “If you are willing to ob­serve the ten commandments at the peace-table, I shall gladly drop all of my 14 points.” We American Hungarians expect of America that the fate of Transyl­vania be decided on the basis of (he Ten Commandments which contain the law: “Thou shalt not covet!” THE PROTESTANT MINISTER. Dr. Charles Vincze said: “Through the darkness of these sad days we see the Hand of God forming beauty out of tragedy. Groups, formerly hostile, are drawing together. We don’t have to write any more about the similarity of the fate of Hun­garians and Jews for. their fate has become identical. As a result of the undescribable sufferings of the Hungarian nation, the life of American Hungarians has be­come purer and nobler.” Thus paying tribute to the gen­eral urge for greater unity, ha turned to the responsibilities of American Hungarians and made the following significant state­ment: '“The time has come for us immigrant Hungarians to shake off our inferiority complex and to start living our American citizenship with a proud and adult mind. It is our duty to courage­ously raise our voice and not let this glorious country of ours soil its conscience by sacrificing an innocent nation.” Thus spoke the clergy of the three most important denomina­tions of American Hungarians, giving free expression to the de­mand of millions of lay-people that the church should rise above the denominational differences and become the conscience of all people in this hour when the most precious values of faith and liberty are at stake. The addresses cf .all three clergymen were received with spontaneous enthusiasm by the audience which realized that it was witnessing historic events that should have far-reaching effects upon the life of American Hungarians as well as the future fate of Hungary. Following these addresses, Judge Petrash made a few. more introductions, the Rev. Francis Újlaki offered the closing prayer, in keeping with the spirit of the occasion, and Miss Szabó render­ed a few more songs, after which the banquet came to an end. THE SECOND DAY Dr.Béla Szappanyos called . the meeting to order and requested the Rev. Francis Újlaki to pre­side. First the reports of the various committees were discus­sed. The President’s report was approved and sincere thanks were voted to Dr. Béla Szappanyos for his activities in behalf of the American Hungarian Federation. During the discussion of the Secretary’s report the- following decisions were brought: The American Hungarian Fede­ration has successfully withstood all the malicious attacks directed against it by various groups and individuals. It has proven its right and ability to represent the American citizens of Hungarian origin and hay successfully ex­tended the scope of its activities. “The fact remains —. said Dr. Mark who presented this report —- (hat if there were no Amer­ican Hiragaian Federation, it should be organized now!” The Federation was authorized to continue with the publication of Hungarian language articles, but it also decided that articles be published in the English lan­guage enlightening the descend­ants of immigrant Hungarians as to the importance of the Amer­ican Hungarian Federation as a representative organization of American Hungarians, and dis­seminating the true facts per­taining to the Hungarian problem lor the benefit of the American public in general. The Committee stated with satisfaction that the attacks against the American Hungarian Federation have ceased and that (he American citizens of Hun­garian origin are well on the road towards a greater unity among their various groups and organ­izations. The Convention unanimously adopted a resolution to be print­ed by all Hungarian language newspapers cailing upon all Americans of Hungarian origin to contribute blood to the American Red Cross for our wounded sol­diers and to support the 6th War Bond campaign by buying War Bonds to the limit of their ability. The treasurer’s report was ac­cepted and approved by the Con­vention which then voted con­fidence and appreciation to the officers and directors Of the American Hungarian Federation for the discharging of their duties to the complete satisfac­tion of the Convention. MOTIONS ADOPTED A resolution was read by the Rev. George Borshy-Kerekes and approved by the Convention, in which the American Hungarian. Federation solemnly reaffirms its conviction that the solution of (lie European problem and im­provement of the existence of the people of Hungary can be achieved only on the basis of the Atlantic Charter and the Four Freedoms. It calls the attention of all authorities to the fact that an unjust peace may have fate­ful consequences. Another proclamation to be addressed to the people of Hun­gary, was read and approved by the Convention, asking for full collaboration with the liberating armies on the part of the people of Hungary. THE PROBLEM OF TRANSYLVANIA Deeply concerned about the fate of Transylvania, the Conven­tion learned that Dr. Louis Kor­­niss, a famous authority on the Transylvanian situation, wrote an excellent bock on this problem which should be read not only by American Hungarians but also by all who will have something to say at the peace-conferences. The Convention felt that ways and means should be found to give the book wide publicity and aiso to send it to the Congress­men and Senators in order that they may receive impartial and full information concerning the issues involved. A well-known publishing house agreed to publish the book pro­vided the sale of 2,000 volumes be guaranteed. It was suggested that the Federation assume this responsibility but the treasurer’s report made it clear beforehand that this was impossible. Then the surprising thing happened. The delegates subscribed the 2.000 volumes in a matter, of a few minutes. Thus the Convention assured the publication of this important book which will be widely advertised in advance by the publishing house. The retail price will be $2.00. The Verho­vay subscribed 200, the Reformed Federation 250, while F. Louis Nagy cf Philadelphia assumed the responsibiiiiy for 225 volumes. SOLDIERS’ RECORDS Editor Andrew Fay-Fisher (Verhovay delegate to the XX. Convention) moved that the Fe­deration may keep a record of the deeds, promotions, decorations and also of the gold-star mothers of American Hungarians. The motion was adopted. According to this decesion, the Federation will send congratulatory letters to outstanding American Hunga­rian soldiers and expressions of sympathy to mothers who lost their son in the war. HUNGARIAN WAR RELIEF The Hungarian War Relief Campaign will be launched as soon as. permission is granted by the President’s War Relief Board. The day following the Conven­tion a delegation of three, con­sisting of Moritz Cukor, Dr. Tibor Kerekes and Emery Komlos was supposed to appear in Washing­ton, D. C., before the chairman cf the Board of instructions. George Borshy-Kerekes reported that a substantial sum already was at hand, the Verhovay having contributed $25,000. the Reformed Federation $16.000, the Bridge­port Ass’n. $10,000, the Rakoczy Aid Ass’n. $10,000, and the New York Aid Ass’n. $15,000. He felt that once the campaign had start­ed, it should not stop short of ONE MILLION DOLLARS. The report was received with enthusiasm, but chairman Rev Újlaki cautioned the Convention that this decision will only be realized if we all back it up to the limit. We have ample assur­ance, however, that the American citizens of Hungarian origin will back up the decision of the Con­vention. First proof was served by delegate F. Louis Nagy, Phila­delphia, Pa., who pledged himself to clothe 100 Hungarian families. Verhovay director John.Koros­­foy moved that the membership dues of the Federation be in­creased. This, however, was im­possible since the membership clues are regulated by the con­ventions. of the four great asso­ciations which form the bulk of the membership of the Federa­tion. But Rev. Újlaki reminded tlie convention that individual contributions are not only wel­come but necessary. THE ELECTIONS The last item on the order of the day was the election of of- ; ficers of the American Hungarian Federation. Though much specu­lation preceded the elections they were conducted fast and effi­ciently and produced excellent results. The Convention elected FRANK POKORNY President of the American Hungarian Federation. Frank Pokorny, president of the United Hungarian Organizations of Cleveland, is one of the most popular personalities in the Amer­ican Hungarian circles in Ohio. But—and this is important—he is also prominent in American circles, having been elected for ihe second time to serve as State Representative in the Capital of Ohio, Columbus. VICE-PRESIDENTS Three vice-presidents were elected by the Convention, one for the East, one for the Middle and one for the West. Vice-president from the Eastern District is Atterney ALOYSIUS FALU SS Y, second-generation di­rector of the Verhovay F LA., of New York, N. Y. JOSEPH HE­GEDŰS of Columbus, O., became (he vice-president from the Middle district, and P/IRS. JOHN SIMKO cf Chicago, III., was elect­ed unanimously as the viee-presi-Page 3 State Representative FRANK POKORNY, National President of the Amer­ican Hungarian Federation. dent of the Western district. Mrs. Simko, as chairman of the War Bend Committee, has achieved national fame through her suc­cessful War Bond selling acti­vities. DENOMINATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES The Convention elected Msgr. Elmer Eordogh as the represen­tative of the Catholic Church, Dr. Charles Vincze, chairman of the Reformed Ministerial Asso­ciation, as representative of the Protestant churches and Dr. Bela Mark, attorney, counsel of the Bridgeport Association as the re­presentative of the Jewish faith, DIRECTORS AT LARGE Ignatz Lengyel, president of the United, Magyar (Civic Asso­ciation of Western Pennsylvania (Pitreburgh, Pa.), and Steven Go­­bozy, attorney, (Cleveland, O), were elected as directors at large. Ex-cfficio directors are the Supreme Presidents and Secreta­ries of the Fraternal organiza­tions, and their directors in pro­portion to the membership of their resp. associations, the edit­ors of the “Szabadság” and the “Amerikai Magyar Népszava”, and cne representative of the weeklies. In accordance with the By-Laws of the Federation the secretary, the treasurer and the ccmptroller will be elected by the Board of Directors. Following the election, chair­man Rev. Újlaki introduced the new officers in whose behalf National President Frank Pokorny addressed the Convention. Fully conscious cf his great responsibi­lity he pledged all his efforts to the fulfillment of the (ask before the American Hungarian Federa­tion. The Rev. Gabor Brachna, minis­ter of the Cleveland West Side Lutheran Church offered the closing prayer and with that the Convention ended at 7:30 PM., November 15th, 1944. * * w It was a great convention and its decisions should have far­­reaching effects on the future life of American Hungarians as well as on the fate of the people of Hungary. Anyone reading this report will notice the three main quali­ties that characterized this con­vention. 1.) A very dsep and sin­cere appreciation of our Amer­ican liberties. 2.) A consciousness of our responsibilities as to our share in the war effort of our nation and a so in regards to the just claims and needs of the Hun­garian people. 3 ) The urge for unity among American Hangar­­(Continued cn Page 4)

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