Making his first public report on his recent visit to Israel, Mayor Vincent R. Impellitteri today told more than 1,500 representatives of Jewish fraternal organizations at an all-day conference for State of Israel bonds that “Israel has the strength and the will to defend democracy.” The delegates pledged $5,000,000 in bond purchases from the treasuries of their organizations.
“The inescapable impression the visitor to Israel receives is one of tremendous construction going on everywhere,” the Mayor said. “Every road, every street is dotted with recently completed or still incomplete housing developments. Factories are mushrooming all over the country. The air sings with growth and vitality. Barren soil is producing forests; farms are flourishing on land considered impossible of cultivation; new roads are being carved into the mountains. In Israel today the spirit of youth blends gracefully with the hallowed traditions of old when Israel was a mighty nation among nations.”
Reporting on his meeting with Israel Chief of Staff Yigal Yadin, the Mayor said: “Israel is a nation dedicated to peace. At the same time, it is willing to fight for freedom and independence. I came away convinced that the United States and Israel are motivated by the same democratic principles. Israel needs us and we need Israel.” He urged the delegates to purchase Israel bonds.
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.
