Jews in South Africa were asked last night by Dr. Abba Hillel Silver to give maximum aid to Israel in a speech which the American Zionist leader delivered at a dinner here marking the 50th anniversary of the existence of the Jewish National Fund.
Dr. Silver pointed up that much is yet to be done by the Jews of the world before the young Jewish state is secure. “Israel,” he stated, “is still surrounded by enemies dreaming of a second round, and re-arming for it. The position of Jerusalem is still not defined, and the United Nations is evading the question.”
Emphasizing that what Israel fears most is not the danger on the political front, but the danger of an economic breakdown which might encourage the enemy, Dr. Silver said: “In the struggle against economic defeat we alone, the Jews outside of Israel, can supply economic weapons.” He recalled the long struggle and the achievement of the Jewish National Fund and pointed up that the J.N.F. is the greatest non-governmental organization in the world. “Its contributions are mommental,” he declared. The American Zionist leader also thanked the South African government for its support to Israel at the United Nations. He expressed the hope that this support would continue.
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.
