Israel Bonds Inaugurates Its Most Ambitious Campaign; Shazar to Address Conclave

Jewish leaders in the United States and Canada today inaugurated the most ambitious campaign since the establishment of the State of Israel to sustain and expand its economy through the sale of $400 million in Israel Bonds this year. Sam Rothberg, general chairman of the Israel Bond Organization, indicated that the unprecedented quota of $400 million represented almost double the amount raised in any previous year. The sale of Israel Bonds, now carried on in 32 countries throughout the free world, produced a total of $210,679,000 last year. Addressing the opening session of a Sunday International Inaugural Conference at the Fontainebleau Hotel, Rothberg pointed out that “economic resources provided by world Jewry through Israel Bonds represents a very crucial factor in the realization of Israel’s hope for peace and in laying the groundwork for future development after a peace settlement is reached.” He emphasized that the Israel Bond campaign was required to provide the financial resources for housing and employment for an expected immigration of 50,000 this year from various parts of the world.

“Parallel to any effort to secure the right of Russian Jews to emigrate,” Rothberg said, “is the need to enable Israel to receive those who are permitted to leave and to offer them every opportunity for a life of freedom amongst their own people in Israel.” President Zalman Shazar of Israel arrived in Miami tonight to address the Israel Bond Inaugural Dinner on Saturday evening. The 81-year-old President has come to the United States to emphasize the special importance of American Jewry’s economic support for Israel. He is scheduled to meet at the White House with President Nixon next Monday. The National Women’s Division initiated its 1971 campaign today at a luncheon featuring the premier of the 1971 All-Israel Fashion Show. The luncheon was addressed by Mrs. Yosef Tekoah, wife of Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, and Mrs. Jan Pearce chairman of the National Women’s Division. A dramatic ceremony honoring women who purchase $5,000 or more in Israel Bonds featured actress Geraldine Fitzgerald in readings highlighting key chapters in Israel’s history.