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$2, 876, 580 Raised by Philadelphia Appeal at Dinner for Ben-gurion

March 8, 1967
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The Allied Jewish Appeal, fund-raising arm of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, announced last night that it raised $2, 876, 580 at its inaugural dinner which was addressed by former Premier David Ben-Gurion. The amount was the second largest raised in 20 years. The goal of the 1967 campaign is $4,758,000.

Mr. Ben-Gurion told the dinner that his visit to Philadelphia was an unforgettable experience and said he would remember it “as long as I live. ” He cited the warmth of the welcome extended to him and to Mrs. Ben-Gurion and the “real excitement” of seeing “such an active Jewish community life.”

He touched on Israel’s position in the world and referred particularly to Communist China as a “threat.” He called this regrettable, describing China as “a great nation with a high culture.” He deplored Communist China’s enmity toward Israel. He attributed the Red Chinese stand to a desire to win over the Arab states and called that possibility not only a political danger but also a military one because, he said, China might give the atomic bomb to the Arab countries. He also discussed Israel’s problems in obtaining adequate arms for defense. A small group of Arabs picketed the hotel where the dinner was held. They carried anti-Israel placards.

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