An impressive total of $1 million in Israel Bonds was purchased at a testimonial dinner in honor of Dr. John X. Jamrich, president of Northern Michigan University, it was announced here last night by Sam M. Cohodas, chairman of the Upper Michigan Peninsula Committee for Israel Bonds. More than 300 prominent civic, business, education and religious leaders attended the event to pay tribute to Dr. Jamrich, who received the City of Peace-Jerusalem Award “in recognition of his long record of sensitive understanding of Israel’s political and economic problems.”
Dr. Jamrich, one of America’s outstanding consultants and administrators in the field of higher education, became the first head of a university to receive this award, which “is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their profession and who stand with Israel in her quest for survival as a free nation,” according to Mr. Cohodas, who presided at the dinner.
Governor William Milliken of Michigan, who extended greetings to the assembled group on behalf of the state, praised Dr. Jamrich for the important role he is playing in furthering the cause of education in the United States. He also congratulated him for participating in an effort which strengthens the fibers of Israel and its people.
Dr. William Haber, president of the World ORT Organization and professor emeritus of the University of Michigan, was the principal speaker and also made the award presentation to Dr. Jamrich. Referring to the guest of honor’s Czechoslovakian heritage. Dr. Haber asserted that there is a philosophic bridge of empathy and understanding in Dr. Jamrich’s deep-rooted interest in Israel. “He saw the candle of freedom go out in his parents’ homeland in 1948 when the Communists took over the government.” he said. “That was the same year of the rebirth of the State of Israel.”
An ardent supporter of Israel since its establishment, Dr. Jamrich visited the Jewish State in 1973 as a consultant on higher education to the Ministry of Education. During his stay in Israel, he met with many of the government leaders, members of the business and education communities, and with scores of chief municipal executives.
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