The 70th birthday of Abraham Shapiro, colorful pioneer “shomer” (watchman), was marked yesterday with a celebration at this colony at which Jewish, Arab and British speakers stressed that he had devoted his life to improving relations between Arabs and Jews.
Moshe Shertok, bringing greetings of the Jewish Agency, said Shapiro had made Petach Tikvah into “a national treasure,” had taught how to defend the fatherland and symbolized the slogan: “Erect posture, open eye and peaceful relations, but answer war with war.” Changing from Hebrew to Arabic, Shertok expressed the hope that relations between Jews and Arabs would continue on the line of mutual understanding.
Other speakers included Mayor Joseph Saphir of this colony, the famous Sheikh Abu Kishek, Mayor Omar il-Betar of Jaffa, Sheikh Beidas, District Commissioner Robert E.H. Crosbie, Joseph Baratz of the Dagania colony and Abraham Elmalieh who voiced greetings for the Vaad Leumi (Jewish National Council).
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
