Jewish Charities Move Toward Merger

The merger of three major Jewish fund-raising organizations, which has been under discussion for several years, has moved a step closer to completion.

Stephen D. Solender, executive vice-president of United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York, has been appointed acting president of a new organization that is being formed from the merger of United Jewish Appeal, the Council of Jewish Federations, and United Israel Appeal.

Mr. Solender is expected to serve as acting president for six months. He will remain in his current position during that period, splitting his time between the two organizations.

Charles R. Bronfman, the chairman of the new entity’s board and co-chairman of the Seagram Company, announced the appointment at the annual meeting of the new organization in Washington last week.

Delegates at the meeting also voted to approve a new name for the merged entity. The group’s new name will be United Jewish Communities. The name change is subject to formal ratification by the organization’s still-to-be-elected board of trustees.