Determined to help strengthen Israel’s economy during the “Year of Peace” commemorating the historic treaty between Egypt and Israel, a capacity audience of 850 women today purchased more than $1 million in Israel Bonds at the 1979 All-Israel Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria.
Sponsored by the Greater New York Women’s Division of State of Israel Bonds, the event paid tribute to Bess Myerson, syndicated columnist, political activist and TV personality; Mrs. Rivko Evron, wife of Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, and Mrs. Moria Blum, wife of Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations.
With “Peace is in Fashion” as the theme of this year’s showing, Mrs. Jane Stern, National Women’s Division chairman of the Israel Bond Organization, observed that “it was Israel’s inherent strength–its political stability and its economic progress–that brought Egypt to the peace table and induced the largest Arab state in the Middle East to sign a peace treaty with Israel–after 30 years of warfare.”
Mrs. Jacqueline Goldman, co-chairman of the New York Women’s Division, told the luncheon guests that “only Israel’s continuing strength and economic development can convince all its Arab neighbors that there can be no alternative to peace.” She added: “Clearly, then, Israel must remain strong economically–and the fashion industry is one avenue of the economy which is gaining yearly and helping the country to achieve that end.”
Pointing out that today’s record sale of Israel Bonds “represents woman power in action,” Mrs. Etta Goldstein, luncheon chairman, noted that “before the end of the year, women throughout the United States and Canada will have invested tens of millions of dollars in Israel Bonds to attend 60 such Israel fashion shows.” Mrs. Goldstein indicated that in New York City alone, these shows have realized over $26 million in Bond sales during the past 25 years.
Another principal speaker was Mrs. Ruth Kedar, wife of Israel’s Consul General in New York, who extended greetings to the assembled guests on behalf of her country as the fashion show saluted Israel on the occasion of its 31st anniversary of Statehood. Cindy Adams served as commentator of the show, which featured the latest fashion designs of Israel’s top couturiers. A highlight of the show was the appearance of five outstanding actresses currently appearing in hit Broadway shows and celebrity models from the worlds of show business, the arts, society and fashion.
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