An acute cement shortage has developed in Israel causing contractors to seek supplies on the black market or suspend construction. The Nesher Cement Co.. a division of Koor Industries, which has the monopoly on cement production in Israel produces just over 1.5 million tons a year at its three plants against an estimated demand this year for 2.5 million tons.
Nesher, which is obliged to import cement to make up its shortage, appears reluctant to do so. Several shiploads of cement are waiting to unload at Israeli ports but the vessels cannot discharge their cargoes because of the scarcity of facilities to handle bulk cement.
Housing Minister Zeev Sharef, meanwhile has blamed contractors for undertaking too many building starts. The contractors are blaming the Ports Authority for delays in unloading imported cement. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is considering a fourth cement plant outside of the Nesher monopoly. Two local firms and two foreign firms are bidding for a license to build and IL200 million cement factory.
A brick inscribed with the words, “The Neo-Nazi Party of Great Britain,” was thrown through a window of the B’nai B’rith Hillel House in London today. Apart from the window nothing was damaged and no one was hurt. Hillel House personnel reported receiving four telephone bomb threats today, Police are investigating.
Hilmar Buddee a 28-year-old former mathematics student, was charged today in West Berlin with planting explosives at the El Al office there in Dec. 1969. The explosives were discovered and defused.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
