British Embassy Voices Gratitude for Hadassah Aid in Palestine

A message from the British Embassy expressing gratitude for Hadassah’s work in Palestine was read today to Hadassah’s 26th annual convention, being held at the Hotel Gibson here.

The message, sent by Charge d’Affaires Nevile Butler on behalf of Ambassador Lord Lothian, voiced appreciation to Hadassah for helping “the British Commonwealth of Nations in their struggle to keep open for the world the highways to peace, to toleration and to the good life.

“The admirable work which you have done for public health in the Jewish national home, without regard to race or creed, is a source of real admiration to all who care for that ancient and ever youthful land,” the message continued. “By placing at the disposal of the British military authorities the 300 beds of your fine new Rothschild Hadassah-University Hospital you are helping in Palestine’s defense in war as you have in her development in peace.”

The convention adopted a Jewish National Fund budget of $200,000. In the current year Hadassah raised $184,000 for the J.N.F., it was announced. A J.N.F. Golden Book dedication in honor of Miss Henrietta Szold’s 80th birthday was voted.

Palestine, now threatened by extension of the war into the Near East, has from the beginning of history been a “path for invading armies,” Dr. Nelson Glueck, director of the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem, declared tonight at a Sabbath dinner.

Palestine’s freedom, he said, “is jeopardized by the same forces that attempted then (in the past) and are attempting now, in their lust for domination, to smash their way from Berlin to Baghdad. Their onrush will surely be stayed, for the same reason that they lost last time–because their strength did not suffice to obtain final victory in the first push, while ours is gathering and growing, and because Satan cannot be lastingly victorious.”