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Mizrachi World Conference Pledges to Secure Jerusalem As Capital of Israel

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Delegates attending the 18th world Mizrachi conference here today took a solemn pledge to secure Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Israel. The parley also voted to try to reestablish the ancient Sanhedrin.

(The Sanhedrin, whose functions and procedures are outlined in the tractate “Sanhedrin” in the Talmud, was both a legislative and judicial body made up of 71 members which interpreted Jewish law and promulgated decrees for Jewish religious observance.)

Chief Rabbi Dr. Isaac Halevi Herzog, addressing the conference, appealed to the “nations of the world to consummate the process of Zion’s restoration by restoring both old and new Jerusalem to Israel.” Dr. Herzog emphasized that Israel could be relied upon to respect international supervision of the Holy Places.

Greetings on behalf of the Chief Rabbinate of the Jewish state were extended by Sephardic Chief Rabbi Ben Zion Usiel. Berl Locker, chairman of the Jewish Agency executive, who also greeted the delegates, urged all sections of the Mizrachi movement to do their utmost to “alleviate the problem of absorption and immigration” which, he stressed, “taxes the entire nation, not only the Agency.” An Israeli naval unit bearing 18 Israeli flags was received amid thunderous ovations when it entered the conference chamber.

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