David Ben-Gurion, former Prime Minister of Israel, spent his 15th day in the United States today meeting with representatives of major theological educational institutions and making extended addresses in three languages — Hebrew, Yiddish and English.
His morning began with a meeting with 500 students and members of the faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary where he was greeted by Dr. Louis Finkelstein, Chancellor, and faculty members. In an extended address, he urged immigration of American youth to work and live in Israel.
The afternoon was spent with 1,500 students and faculty members of Yeshiva University of New York. He spoke Hebrew there. Dr. Samuel Belkin, president of Yeshiva University, was host for the occasion.
In the evening, maintaining his hard-driving schedule, he was received by an audience of 400 in the auditorium of the New York University Law School where he lectured in English. He was awarded the degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws by Dr. James M. Hexter, president of NYU. Earlier he was given a private dinner in the President’s Suite at NYU by Allan M. Carter, Chancellor and President Hexter.
Earlier he met with leaders of the Histadrut Campaign, where Mr. Ben-Gurion spoke in Yiddish. He spoke on what has emerged as a major theme of his American visit — the need to develop and settle the Negev. He was welcomed by Joseph Schlossberg, 92-year-old president of the National Committee for Labor Israel, who came to the reception despite his frail condition. Dr. Col Stein, national director of the Histadrut Campaign, introduced the guest of honor.
TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY TO HAVE BEN-GURION CHAIR FOR BIBLE STUDY
The establishment of a Chair for Bible Study at Tel Aviv University to carry the name of David Ben-Gurion was announced here today by Dr. George S. Wise, president of the university, at a luncheon in honor of Mr. Ben-Gurion tendered by the American Friends of the Tel Aviv University at the Plaza Hotel. The funds for this chair will be contributed by Dr. and Mrs. Wise.
In celebration of Mr. Ben-Gurion’s 80th birthday, the American Friends are also establishing 80 Ben-Gurion Scholarships of $1, 000 each at Tel Aviv University, it was announced at the luncheon by Daniel G. Ross, chairman of the board of directors. These will be a part of the 3, 500 scholarships which the American Friends is undertaking to provide for students of the university.
The Israel statesman, addressing the selected audience of more than 150 people who attended the luncheon, pointed to the need of expanding Tel Aviv University to serve the cultural interests of the 400, 000 residents of Tel Aviv and the many thousands of young Jews in the vicinity of Tel Aviv who are seeking university education.
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