Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Bust of George Washington Presented to President Weizmann by U.J.A. Delegation

March 3, 1949
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

A bust of George Washington sent by Mayor William ##Dwyer of New York to President Weizmann with the delegation of the United Jewish Appeal now visiting the Jewish state, was today presented to Dr. Weizmann at his home in Rehovoth.

In making the presentation, Julian Venetzky, the head of the U.J.A. delegation, said: “This gift is a symbol of the close friendship existing between the people of the United States and those of Israel.” He expressed pride in bringing the must to President Weizmann as “an expression of brotherhood and understanding.”

At a reception given the U.J.A. delegation in Tel Aviv by the Joint Distribution Committee, James G. McDonald, American Ambassador, welcomed the visitors. “That confidence of President Truman,” he said, “was fully warranted has been demonstrated by the extraordinary achievements of Israel. Amidst an armed struggle, the state welcomed an unprecedently large number of newcomers, established an effective provisional regime, carried through free democratic elections, and is now engaged in friendly armistice negotiations with its Arab neighbors.”

Appealing to his listeners not to “underestimate the gigantic task ahead,” McDonald said: “The need of the financial aid you Americans bring to Israel is all the greater because it is necessary to continue the pace of its development. Other- wise it will be impossible for Israel to be a homo for outcasts. None sensing the need and envisioning the possibilities of their fulfillment can fail to do the utmost to make the prophets’ dream come true.”

Harry Viteles, greeting the delegation on behalf of the J.D.C., reported on his recent visit to Iran and Aden and on the need for J.D.C. aid to Jews in Middle. East countries. He revealed that the J.D.C. spent about $500,000 to bring to Israel by airplane more than 4,000 Jews from camps in Aden. He emphasized that the over-whelming majority of the 110,000 Jews in Iraq are in need of relief, while in Bagdad alone there are 25,000 urgent relief cases. About a half of the Jewish population of Iran also needs aid, he stated.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement