Premier Menochem Begin characterized the American State Department’s statement on the Middle East as bod in content and intent in a speech to industrialists here last night. But he added that, as sometimes happens, good for Israel may emerge from the bad. He hinted that he possessed information to support that remark which he could not divulge.
Begin said he was preparing for his visit to Washington next month with the trepidation of a Jew preparing for the Day of Atonement. He said he prayed for a successful outcome of his meetings with President Carter. Beyond that, the Premier made no further political remarks. He spoke at length on economic matters to manufacturers attending the Industrial Award Dinner at the Tel Aviv Hilton Hotel.
In an unrelated development, organizers of the Zionist Organization of America’s convention here expressed disappointment that for the first time the Democratic Party has not responded to the ZOA’s invitation to send a senior representative to address the gathering.
Leon llutovitz, national executive director of the ZOA recalled that last year the convention was addressed by Vice President Walter Mondale who was, at the time Senator from Minnesota. This year the ZOA invited Sen. Robert Dole (R. Kan.) who was President Ford’s Vice Presidential running mate, to be the Keynote speaker.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
