Former Premier David Ben-Gurion returned home this weekend from his journey to the West, which he had begun March 1, full of cheer and particularly enthusiastic over the quality of the American Jewish youth whom he met during his visits to the United States, and Canada.
“I bring you regards from the American Jewish youth,” he told the welcoming committee that greeted him at Lydda Airport. “These youth are as good as those who had come here during the Second Aliyah.” That phrase referred to the Jewish immigration which included many who are today the backbone of Israel’s public life.
About 200 persons met Mr. Ben-Gurion and his wife at the airport. Included were President Shazar’s military aide; the assistant director-general of the Foreign Ministry; leaders of Histadrut, the Israeli federation of labor; and leaders of Rafi, the Israel Workers Party headed by Mr. Ben-Gurion. On hand also were members of his kibbutz at Sde Boker.
Addressing the group, Mr. Ben-Gurion said: “The old generation, whose love for Israel was exemplary has been led to believe that by giving money, they were doing everything to ensure Israel’s survival. It is not their fault. They always argued that Israel must speak to the Jews directly, but I was always outvoted on that score even when I was in the Government.”
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