Although Israel’s political situation has improved, its financial situation is most serious, Dr. Nahum Goldmann, president of the Jewish Agency, said here today on the eve of his departure for the United States tomorrow.
In a statement to newsmen, he said that while he was abroad he hoped to tackle two problems: the setting up of Zionist federations along territorial lines, and drawing non-Zionists into the Jewish Agency executive. Both were decisions of the last World Zionist Congress.
It is important to set up territorial organizations, Dr. Goldmann stated, because there are many unaffiliated people who will not join the Zionist organization because they do not want to join a Zionist party. He also spoke of the great value of including leading Jewish personalities and heads of major organizations on the Agency executive because they could rally greater forces to Israel’s cause. In reply to a question, he said the Agudas Israel Organization would also be welcome if it should desire to cooperate with the Agency executive.
He reported that he had met Premier-David Ben Gurion last Saturday, when he went to convey birthday good wishes, and had discussed with him the convening of a meeting of the Israel Government-Jewish Agency coordinating board. The board, consisting of seven members appointed by each party, coordinates immigration, settlement and other activities in which both have a stake.
Dr. Goldmann revealed that the World Jewish Congress, of which he is president, is selecting a delegation to visit the Soviet Union this winter. He has not yet decided whether he will go, he added.
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