3000 U.S. Jewish Leaders Begin First UJA Conclave in Israel

The largest ever delegation of American Jewish leaders–more than 3000 of them–were joined by 4000 Israelis at the Yad Eliahu sports stadium in Tel Aviv last night for the opening of the first United Jewish Appeal national conference ever to be held in Israel.

The event turned into a mass demonstration of solidarity with Israel, a theme stressed by President Ephraim Katzir who addressed the throng and received a standing ovation when he declared: “You are not strangers to this country. You are part of our families and thousands of homes are open to you to share with you our hopes and dreams.”

The UJA delegates each wore a navy blue jacket with the slogan “This Year in Jerusalem” stencilled in gold. As they entered the stadium they were greeted by Israeli woman soldiers who pinned carnations on their jackets. An Israeli army band played rousing marches. Hundreds of school children swarmed into the arena waving banners that glowed in the dark. A team of student gymnasts formed a tableau spelling UJA.

NEED FOR ALIYA STRESSED

Katzir, speaking to the delegates about Israel’s external and internal problems, urged a joint campaign to open the doors for the immigration to Israel of Jews in the Soviet Union and those still in Arab lands. He stressed, however, that Israel’s future required the immigration of Western Jews as well. He did not ignore the shortcomings of Israeli society. He said the country needed the joint efforts of world Jewry to overcome them. He predicted that in the long run, Israel would enjoy peace and cooperation with its neighbors.

Mayor Shlomo Lehat, of Tel Aviv said, in greeting the UJA delegates that Israel’s main problem was no longer to secure itself because Israel will “live forever.” The main problem, he said, is to learn how to live together and for increased aliya. “We need your experience and partnership. The most important thing is to have you with us as citizens of the State.” Lehat said.

ISRAEL IS AN INSPIRATION, NOT A BURDEN

Frank Lautenberg, general chairman of the UJA, observed in his speech that whereas some say that Israel is a burden. “We say that Israel is not only not a burden but a source of inspiration to freedom loving people everywhere.” He was referring to a remark made by U.S. Gen. George S. Brown that Israel was a military “burden” on the U.S. Lautenberg pledged that the American-Jewish community would continue to support Israel with greater zeal and greater effort than ever before. “We want to tell the entire world that our lives are tied to Israel by eternal ties.” he said.

Former Premier Golda Meir was unable to address the UJA opening as originally planned. She was discharged yesterday from Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem where she was treated last week for an intestinal infection and is now convalescing.

WEEK OF INTENSIVE ACTIVITY

The welcoming ceremonies in Tel Aviv marked the beginning of a week of intensive activity which will include, in addition to meetings with top Israeli leaders, a series of study tours that will take the UJA delegates to virtually every part of the country. The delegates will also be the guests of thousands of Israeli families who have invited them to their homes for an evening.

In Jerusalem, preparations were being made for a grand march by the UJA delegates to the Old City and the Western Wall. The first winter rains started, Sunday but the organizers of the march hope the weather will clear. There was only one sour note that marred the effusive welcome extended to the American visitors. Yosef Almogi, chairman of the World Zionist Organization and Jewish Agency Executives, declined to greet the UJA delegates at last night’s opening.

According to sources here, Almogi was piqued because of an incident with the UJA Prime Minister’s Mission earlier this year. The sources said the WZO chief had been asked to be the main speaker at me Mission’s dinner at the Jerusalem Hilton Hotel. When he arrived there he was informed that another speaker would address the gathering after him. The final speech is normally reserved for the principal speaker and Almogi took offense, the sources said. But he will meet privately with the UJA delegates and will participate in their various conference activities.