American Zionists Celebrate Israel’s Anniversary, Herzl’s Birthday

Tributes to the State of Israel upon the occasion of her 12th anniversary and to Theodor Herzl. founder of political Zionism upon the 100th anniversary of his birth, were paid today at a celebration sponsored by the American Zionist Council, central body of all Zionist groups in this country. Several hundred Zionist leaders attended the reception which was addressed by Rabbi Irving Miller, chairman of the Council.

Speaking in behalf of more than 1,000,000 subscribers to State of Israel bonds, Dr, Joseph J. Schwartz, vice-president of the Israel Bond Organization, today hailed its outstanding achievements on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. In a message to Israel Government leaders. Dr. Schwartz and other leaders of the Bond organization, pledged continued economic assistance through the Israel bond drive, which has provided more than $435,000.000 for every phase of Israel’s economic development during the past nine years,

Dr. Schwartz pointed out that Israel’s 12th anniversary coincides with the ninth anniversary of the visit by Prime Minister Ben-Gurion to the United States for the purpose of launching the first Israel bond issue. “We have only to look at Israel’s position at the time of the prime Minister’s first visit in May, 1951 and her status on his second visit to the United States in 1960 to comprehend the tremendous change which has occurred in the intervening nine years and the enormous strides in Israel’s economy made possible with the aid of State of Israel Bonds.

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency dispatches received in New York reported widespread celebration of Israel’s anniversary in London, Paris, Brussels, Johannesburg, Stockholm and other world centers of Jewish population. Government officials, Jewish community leaders, prominent Zionists and religions leaders of various faiths participated in the observances, hailing Israel’s achievements and pledging continued support to Israel.)