J.N.F. Plans a $60,000,000 Investment in Land in Israel, Judge Rothenberg Reports

Interesting details regarding the future plans and procedure, Of the Jewish National Fund in connection with the establishment of Israel were revealed here today by Judge Morris Rothenberg, president of the J.N.F. of America, upon his return from Israel where ho attended the sessions of the Zionist Actions Committee and participated in mapping out a policy for the acquisition of land by the J.N.F. in the Jewish state.

“The General Zionist Council decided that the Jewish National Fund shall remain an independent instrument, separate and apart from the Government of Israel but cooperating with it,” he reported. “The Jewish National Fund will continue its activities to acquire land in Israel by purchase for the settlement of additional Jews. A large new influx of immigrants mates it necessary that considerable tracts of new land be secured, for there are no land reserves and very little state lands.

“One of the many consequences of the British withdrawal from Palestine is the nullification of the vicious British Land Transfer Regulations of 1940, which prevented Jews from acquiring land by purchase in 95% of Palestine. Jews are now free to acquire land in the State of Israel,” Judge Rothenberg emphasized

“The now conditions have created a very hopeful aspect to the Jewish land problem in Israel. It will be possible in the near future to acquire through the Jewish National Fund additional tracts of approximately 500,000 dunams –about 125,000 across — of land. This will entail an investment of approximately $60,000,000. American Jews who have played so historic a role in the development of Palestine and the reconstitution of the Jewish State are expected to give their maximum support to the raising of the re sources so urgently needed to meet the existing and future colonization needs in Israel. They will thus make a new great contribution to the young democracy of Israel,” the J.N.F. president concluded.