Eshkol Calls for Voluntary Immigration of Jewish Youth from Free Lands

Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, addressing the concluding session of the weeklong meeting of the Zionist Actions Committee, here, today, called for increased “voluntary immigration” of Jewish youth from the free lands of the world.

“We have almost reached the peak of our efforts in the absorption of immigrants from the countries of stress,” he said. “A way must be found to the hearts of the Jewish youth toward the establishment of a pioneer movement.”

With President Zalman Shazar on the platform, the Premier, citing the success of the United States Peace Corps, told the world Zionist leaders at the session: “Let the Jewish reserve come to help develop our society and our economy and our science, and help expand our cooperation with the developing countries.”

Stressing the threats against Israel by Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Nasser’s intentions to destroy Israel, the Prime Minister said: “Should this hour of trial arrive–and perhaps in order that it should not eventuate–Israel must show growth, not merely quantitatively but also qualitatively. We must preserve our spiritual and moral superiority and our economic strength.”

Turning to the Zionist movement, Mr. Eshkol said that, while there has been criticism against the movement, “we have no other. Together,” he said, “we must think of ways and means to raise Zionism toward meeting the new challenge.” He added: “There can be no Zionism without Jews for Israel.”

Stressing the task of combating the threat of assimilation, he told the delegates that all must work together for the preservation of the Jewish people’s existence and unity. He said the situation also faces Israeli youth with a challenge, requiring that Israeli youth go to the Diaspora “to enrich Jewish life there and draw sustenance for the State of Israel.”