Dulzin Elected WZO Chairman

The 29th World Zionist Congress today unanimously elected Leon Dulzin chairman of the World Zionist Organization Executive. His succession to that office was a foregone conclusion. There was no opposition candidate. But a certain amount of suspense prevailed until the last minute over whether the Labor Zionist faction would vote for Dulzin, a member of Likud.

As of last night, the Laborites had not reached a decision. But today, Yigal Allon, chairman of the Labor Zionist Movement, was one of the leaders who seconded Dulzin’s nomination. The others were Finance Minister Simcha Ehrlich, Interior Minister Joseph Burg and American Zionist Federation President Faye Schenk. Labor’s support of Dulzin is expected to smooth some of the political bumps facing this Congress although a bitter fight still looms over Labor’s demand for the post of WZO treasurer vacated by Dulzin.

In his seconding speech, Allon disclosed that he once had been approached by Dulzin to run for WZO chairman after the death of the incumbent Louis Pincus. He said he declined at the time because he wished to continue as Minister of Absorption in the government of Premier Golda Meir. But he welcomed Dulzin’s offer of support. “I am now proud to pay Dulzin back and support him for the same position,” Allon said. He expressed the wish that the new WZO Executive will reflect the unity of all Zionist parties.

Premier Menachem Begin paid Dulzin the honor of appearing at the election session. He congratulated the new chairman. But first he had some warm remarks for the outgoing WZO chairman, Laborite Yosef Almogi. He called Almogi one of Israel’s best sons, a true pioneer who succeeded in all the tasks he took upon himself.