The First World Assembly of Jewish War Veterans is scheduled to be held in Jerusalem Jan. 25-30, when as many as 2000 participants will come to that city from more than eight nations. It was announced today by Meir deShalit, chairman of the organizing committee of the Assembly, at a press conference sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
The conference is open to all Jewish veterans who served in war or peace whether or not they are affiliated to an official veterans organization Members of “Mahal,” volunteers with the Israel Army in 1948, and members of “partisan” groups that fought behind German lines in World War II are also invited to participate, deShalit said, New immigrants in Israel who are veterans of the Soviet Red Army are now organizing a special delegation with the express purpose of putting the issue of freedom of immigration on the Assembly agenda.
According to deShalit, the idea for the project was first broached last November during the annual parade organized by the Jewish Ex-Servicemen’s Association (AJEX) in London. “The delegations met and decided to observe the 30th anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis with an Assembly of Jewish war veterans,” deShalit said. “Non-Jewish veteran organizations are also invited to attend.”
He noted that one of the prime objectives of the Assembly is to demonstrate Jewish solidarity and to show identification with the State of Israel at this particular time. Many of the most prominent figures in Israeli life are scheduled to participate in the Assembly.
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