The official presentation of the Louise Waterman Wise Memorial Youth Center in Jerusalem to the Government of Israel was made today by its donors–the Women’s Division of the American Jewish Congress–at a luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel attended by more than 1,000 guests.
Dr. Ralph Bunche of the United Nations, who was one of the principal speakers at the ceremony, called for the conclusion of an Arab-Israeli peace and expressed confidence that “peace is possible in the Near East and will eventuate there.” He emphasized that “Arabs and Jews–as well as the world at large–have much to gain from full peace in the Near East and ultimately very much to lose from the indefinite prolongation of the existing totally unsatisfactory state of affairs.”
Other speakers at the ceremony included Israel’s Ambassador Abba Eban; Dr. Nahum Goldmann, acting president of the World Jewish Congress; Dr. Israel Gold-stein, president of the American Jewish Congress, and others. Justice Justine Wise Polier, daughter of Rabbi Stephen and Louise Waterman Wise and national president of the Women’s Division, made the presentation.
The center–the first youth hostel to be built in Israel–will be used by Israel’s Department of Education and Culture to train youth leaders and teachers. It will provide dormitories and dining facilities for resident students and youths attending conferences and youth rallies. Its cultural and recreational facilities include a library, an art studio, a music chamber and an outdoor amphitheatre.
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