The conflict between Israel and the United States which led the latter to order temporary suspension of economic aid to the Jewish State was important “as an indication of what can happen again” and as a warning to the Jewish people of the “inherent gravity of Israel’s political situation,” Dr. Nahum Goldmann, chairman of the Jewish Agency, said here addressing a dinner in honor of delegates to the Jerusalem economic conference.
The dispute, Dr. Goldmann stressed, “showed that, in reality, the major political problems are far from solution and, I am afraid, will remain so for some time to come. That means that all of us who worked for the establishment of the Jewish State must be ready, even on the political scene, to mobilize our strength and influence to enable Israel to solve its political problems.
“There may be many crises to come,” Dr. Goldmann continued, “and Israel will require full support from the world Jewish communities. In this respect, this momentary conflict, with all its negative aspects, may also have a salutary effect in awakening the people of Israel and the Jews of the world to face the reality.
“It will require years of supreme effort, great wisdom, statesmanship and courage, ” he warned, “until Israel is politically consolidated, has achieved full peace with the Arab world and is integrated on a basis of full equality and sovereignty as a member of the family of nations of this part of the world.”
SEES ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE JERUSALEM ECONOMIC CONFERENCE
Referring to the economic conference, Dr. Goldmann called it an encouraging manifestation of the determination of a vast number of the Jewish people “to fulfil the task to help consolidate Israel. ” He commented that there was no sign of fear either in Israel or in Jewish public opinion abroad over the sudden political crisis.
“On the contrary, ” he declared, “all signs point to a strengthening of our determination to stand by Israel and to a renewed enthusiasm aroused by the threat appearing on the horizon. It was good and useful that the leaders of Israel gave this conference a true and full picture of the political, economic and financial situation, ” he added. “It is good that we finally began to learn the truth that the consolidation of a new state is a long process requiring more patience, stamina and stubbornness than the heroic effort to establish the state.”
The Jewish Agency leader recalled that Premier David Ben Gurion’s opening address to the conference was based on the fundamental idea of a partnership between the Jewish people and Israel. The conference accepted this principle, he said, and he voiced confidence that Israel would accept it.
“It should be clear to all,” he said, “that without such a partnership, the task of consolidation of Israel will remain unfulfilled, but it involves understanding and obligations for both. It means solidarity and common responsibility. It means taking Israel in as part of our life, both collectively and individually, but partnership means something for Israel, too. It cannot mean only demanding, asking, claiming and accepting things. It means solidarity and joint responsibility in Israel both as regards vital Jewish interests and the needs of the Jewish people as a whole.
“It means for Israel to keep always in mind the feelings and opinion of Jews outside Israel. In every great decision, Israel cannot act solely from the viewpoint of its own interest but has to bear in mind the wellbeing and position of the Jewish people as a whole.
“The methods of this partnership have not yet been worked out,” Dr. Goldmann noted, “and it will take some time to find the form of structure in which to realize this partnership in day-to-day cooperation, but the essential thing is to develop and strengthen the spirit of such a partnership both outside and inside Israel itself.”
Dr. Goldmann made an unexpected reference to the rumored resignation of Premier Ben Gurion and praised him as giving “the appearance of greatness in our age. Mr. Ben Gurion told the guests: “I have received from you a great gift–the strengthening of the age-long sense of Jewish fraternity. It is the mission of our generatinn to build up the State, to bring freedom and to establish peace – in Israel and throughout the world.”
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.
