Former Governor Herbert H. Lehman of New York today issued a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency summarizing his views on the situation in Israel prior to his embarkation on the Israeli transport Kedmah en route to France. He emphasized that he had long talks with Premier David Ben Gurion and other members of the Israeli Cabinet, as well as with leaders of the Jewish Agency end U.S. Ambassador James G. McDonald.
“The emergence of the state of Israel represents a miracle,” Lehman’s state-sent said. “Israel fought an enemy 50 times stronger than itself. Despite the most severe handicaps in war, it was able to create a state which is proving itself efficient and well-governed.
“I attended a session of the Knesset during the debate on the austerity program. I have had parliamentary experience as lieutenant governor, presiding over the state senate of the New York legislature. I believe Israel’s parliament, despite being only a short time in existence, measures well in dignity and seriousness with any parliamentary body I know.
“The achievements of Israel are very great. We must realize the problems con-fronting it are also very great. There are many difficulties in connection with absorbing the new immigrants coming in daily. Israel has problems on how to finance the cost of maintaining a substantial army of defense, how to reduce the high cost of living how to provide housing and employment for the new arrivals.
“Much of the early development of the United States was due to the investments of friendly nations in Europe. I think there is a great similarity between the agricultural and industrial development of the United States and that of Israel. Seventy-five years ago, the United States could not have developed its national re-sources had it not been for financial assistance in the form of investments from abroad. I think that similar loans and investments will have to come also in the case of Israel from abroad. I am confident that Israel will emerge as a strong nation which will be able to absorb many hundreds of thousands of immigrants.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
