Over 1,500 invited guests attended the seventh anniversary celebration of Israel’s independence here today at a reception tendered by Ambassador Abba Eban. The event was distinguished by the largest number of guests ever to attend an Israel reception in the United States.
Leading Cabinet officers and government department heads attended with 28 U.S. Senators and 105 members of the House of Representatives. One of the outstanding personalities who accepted an invitation was Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, widow of the late President. Mrs. Wilson seldom makes public appearances. The two ballrooms of the Willard Hotel were decorated with gladioli specially flown to the United States from Israel.
Addressing an Israel Independence Day dinner of the American-Israel Society last night, Ambassador Eban made an indirect criticism of some of the countries which participated in the recent conference at Bandung, Indonesia, from which Israel was barred. “The independent countries of our continent, most of which only achieved their national freedom in the same decade as we, might well learn and proclaim that men and nations are not at their best when they deny to others the privileges which they loudly claim for themselves, “he said.
Declaring that Israel was entitled to the same respect and recognition as the other 59 members of the United Nations. Mr. Eban stated: “The problem is not to find new principles of cooperation for Israel and the Arab states, but rather to assimilate their relationship to the general system of international relations which prevail everywhere and does prevail in most continents of the world.”
EBAN STRESSES FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND UNITED STATES
Mr. Eban told the dinner that “the friendship between Israel and America needs vigilant custodians. This friendship is too strong and broadly based to founder upon the rock of any single divergence of interest or judgment, “he declared. Israel, he said, has proved its capacity to flourish amidst regional hostility. “But this is not our choice,” he pointed out. “Let us never cease to reassert our will to see our region healed from the plagues of rancor and hostility. The Arab world, in its nine sovereignties extending over a continental expanse, can well afford to renounce a useless grudge against a kindred people pursuing its peaceful quest within its lawful domain.”
Congressman Joseph W. Martin, Jr., Republican leader of the House of Representatives, speaking at the dinner, said: “The State of Israel has proved its permanence and its value. I can tell you that the overwhelming majority of the majority of the Congress, in my opinion, is determined to see to it that the people of Israel shall have the opportunity to build their homes and evolve their culture in peace and safety.” Tracing the achievements of Israel, he pointed out that “the abnormal condition that makes the achievements of the people of Israel almost unbelievable is absence of peace in the Middle East.” He said “this state of uneasy armistice is a heavy burden It is damaging not only to Israel but to the surrounding Arab states.”
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.
