More than 800 people participated in the celebration of Israel’s 31st Independence Day at the Chevra Kadisha Congregation here last night. Rabbi Benjamin Houer, speaking in Hebrew and English, described the sacrifices of those who died for the creation of the Jewish State. Cantor Joshua Rozenzweig recited the prayer EI Mole Rachamim prayer for the deceased.
Zvi Caspi, Consul General of Israel, stressed in his speech “the great breakthrough which took place between us and Egypt, and the signing of a peace treaty with the solemn declaration no more war.” He said that “Israel hopes that there will be a cessation of acts of terror and wanton bloodshed so that we may devote our total efforts, energy and resources to constructive endeavors.” He greeted the release of the seven Prisoners of Zion from the Soviet Union and pledged that “Jerusalem is the indivisible capital of Israel and will remain such for ever and ever.”
The guest speaker, Jacques Torczyner, chairman of the World Union of General Zionists and a member of the World Zionist Organization Executive, denounced the United Nations “for maneuvering against the State of Israel” and said it “should move out of New York City and make room for a Jewish center in its place.” He hailed Premier Menachem Begin of Israel as “the only man” who could bring peace to Israel.
Earlier yesterday, children from Montreal’s Jewish schools attended memorial services for those who died fighting for Israel at the Consulate General of Israel. Six candles were lit in memory of the fallen soldiers. This afternoon, more than 2000 guests, including representatives of the diplomatic corps, visited the Consulate to congratulate Caspi on the 31st anniversary of Israel. (Michael Solomon)
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