A Strong Israel is a Priority Dinitz

Israeli Ambassador Simcha Dinitz last night stressed the importance of maintaining a strong Israel us a priority since the recent Israel-Egypt agreement, “We will have to be strong to fulfill the agreement, and we will have to be even stronger to defend ourselves if it is not fulfilled,” he warned. He added that Israel’s success would depend on its internal tenacity, coupled with the support it receives from its friends in the Jewish community during the months to come.

Dinitz’s remarks were made at the Golden Jubilee Tribute Dinner of the American Friends of the Hebrew University honoring Isaac Bashevis Singer who received the S.Y. Agnon Gold Medal, Avraham Harman, president of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, presented the award to Singer at the Rye Town Hilton Inn in Port Chester, N.Y.

Prior to the dinner, Singer autographed copies of his latest book of short stories, “Passions,” which is to be published in November. In response to the award presentation, Singer delivered a talk entitled “Who is a Jewish Writer?”

Dinitz remarked that since the ratio of strength between the Arabs and Israel is 3-1, and will remain such, the development of “human quality” will ultimately determine Israel’s survival. In this connection he said the work of the Hebrew University is vital to the future of the country.

Dr. Max M. Kampelman, president of the American Friends, spoke of the Hebrew University’s 50 years of development and progress despite the interruption of many wars both before and since the creation of the State of Israel, Speaking for the Hebrew University, Harman, a former Israel Ambassador to the U.S. said, “We are quite determined that in resisting aggression or the threat of aggression, we in Israel will not fall victim to those who wish us to become a people whose sole purpose is simply to exist.”