The American Zionist Federation called on the United States government to “provide world leadership with diplomatic recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital” on the 25th anniversary of Israel’s independence. The request was contained in resolutions adopted at the closing session of the AZF’s two-day semi-annual national board meeting here.
The U.S. was also called on to take the lead “in the prompt amelioration of the situation” of Jews in Iraq and Syria by pressing for “freedom of the Jewish population to emigrate to the countries of their choice including the United States” which can provide visas “outside of the established immigrant quota.” Another resolution urged the U.S. to deny the Soviet Union most favored nation status and trade credit privileges as long as it maintains restrictions on Jewish emigration.
Rabbi Israel Miller, president of the AZF, announced the establishment of a new “educational travel service” by the AZF to bring Jewish and Christian groups to Israel. He said the travel service, which will begin operating next month, was intended to foster tourism to Israel and provide visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country and its problems. Dr. Miriam Freund, who will head the new travel service, estimated that about 1200 participants will visit Israel during its first year of operations.
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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.