Ben-Gurion Says Z.O.A. Can Play Important Role in Helping Israel

The Zionist Organization of America has now a great opportunity in the task of helping Israel to overcome the present economic difficulties because American Jewry, the American people and the American Government are with Israel. Premier David Ben Gurion declared here last night addressing a Z.O.A. dinner attended by members of the government and by leading members of the Israel Parliament.

Lauding the establishment of the Z.O.A. House in Tel Aviv, the Premier said that he had criticized the Zionist Organization of America in the past and will criticize it in the future, if necessary. "At the same time we need not forget the great acts performed by American Zionists starting with the days of the formation of the Jewish battalions in the first World War, continuing with the days of the Biltmore Declaration during World War II, and most recently with providing financial aid for Israel through a new channel-the Israel Bond Drive in which the Z.O.A. is so actively participating."

Referring to the fact that the Zionist movement is now "descending," Premier Ben Gurion declared: "Every movement has its ups and downs. My best wishes for the Zionist Organization of America to continue to be the greatest and most important factor in the life of American Jewry."

Benjamin Browdy, Z.O.A. president, replying to the Premier’s speech, said that the Zionist Organization of America wishes nothing better than to maintain close and wholehearted cooperation with the Israeli Government. Mendel Fischer, executive director of the Jewish National Fund of America, announced that plans are being made to establish a settlement in Israel which will bear the name of Fred Monosson, Boston Zionist leader who was the moving spirit behind the Z.O.A. House which was opened here yesterday.