Farband Presents Portrait by Israeli Artist to Roosevelt Library

A portrait of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, done in stone which simulates marble, was presented here yesterday to the library of the President by the Farband — Labor Zionist Order, a fraternal organization dedicated to strengthening Jewish life in this country and in Israel.

The work was executed by Shmuel Toker, an Israeli artist. Mr. Toker has developed a method of mixing stone, cement and plaster in a manner that he says controls form in designs and colors of his choosing. He says it enables him to do paintings that resemble oils. Louis Segal, general secretary of the Farband, presented the portrait to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library on behalf of his organization. It was accepted by Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, widow of the President.

In his presentation address, Mr. Segal declared that “there has never been a greater champion for the rights of all minorities and the oppressed than Franklin D. Roosevelt.” He emphasized that the presentation of the portrait is “a symbol of the deep and lasting friendship which has been forged in recent years between the people of the State of Israel and our beloved United States.”

“The portrait which we now present to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library is more than a work of art,” Mr. Segal continued. “It is an expression of love and respect for a great American president, by a citizen and distinguished artist of the young democratic State of Israel, Mr. Shmuel Toker. It is altogether fitting that the Farband-Labor Zionist Order should be the instrument of this symbolic gesture. For the 45 years of the Farband’s existence, we have worked unceasingly in behalf of strengthening the principles of democracy and social justice in America, the enhancement of cultural and community life and the establishment and support of the State of Israel.

“In his entire career of service to the people of the United States and the world, President Roosevelt exemplified the realization of our ideals. It is our sincere hope that in presenting this portrait to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, we may make a further contribution to better understanding among the free peoples of the word — a goal which our late President was a noble example for mankind,” Mr. Segal stated. Those who took part in the ceremonies, in addition to Mr. Segal and Mrs. Roosevelt, were Mr. Toker, Mrs. Toker, Herman Kahn, director of the library, and Harold Grubart, treasurer, and Israel K. Goldstein, associate treasurer of the Farband.