Israel’s eleventh anniversary was observed here today by Jewish groups interested in the development of Israel, while Israel Consul General Simcha Pratt gave a reception in the Consulate to guests representing all walks in American Jewish life. The Consulate was also open to all Israeli nationals in New York.
Morris Berinstein, General Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal in a message of greetings sent to Israeli Premier David Ben Gurion, said that American Jewry will continue to mobilize maximum financial support for Israel. He stressed the nationwide effort to raise $40, 000, 000 in cash by June 21 as part of the 1959 UJA drive.
Herbert A. Friedman, executive vice chairman of the UJA, said that “as the community of Israel stands at the threshold of its 12th year of independence, it is assured the fullest measure of friendship and loyalty, of ‘partnership’ and support on the part of the Jewish communities of the United States and other free nations.”
Mrs. Rose Halprin, acting chairman of the Jewish Agency, said in a statement: “As this anniversary year draws to a close, American Jews together with the people of Israel bend to the task of securing the means for the strengthening of this young democracy and for providing the resources which will assure that Israel’s life-saving program of immigration, rehabilitation and reconstruction may continue in the years to come.”
Abraham Feinberg, president of the Israel Bond Organization in a statement stressed the tremendous impact of Israel Bond investment capital on the growth and expansion of Israel’s economy, and said: “The vitality of the State of Israel on its eleventh anniversary is underscored by the inner strength of its people as they tackle the tasks of building and development while welcoming and absorbing new immigrants.”
Twenty thousand volunteer workers for the United Jewish Appeal will jam Madison Square Garden tomorrow evening to join in the Festival of Freedom which will mark the eleventh anniversary of Israel’s independence. Mayor Robert F. Wagner heads the list of speakers who will address the Festival. Other speakers will be Dr. Abba Hillel Silver, noted American Jewish leader; Monroe Goldwater, president of UJA; and Abba Eban, Israel’s Ambassador to the United 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.
