“The greatest danger that Israel faces today is a growing feeling of isolation from the rest of the world. We must give Israel all the support we can,” said Walter Hesselbach, president of the German Workers Bank, Germany’s fourth largest bank. “As for us, my colleagues and myself, we pledge to continue our efforts and will not let Israel down.”
Hesselbach, who is president of the German Friends of the Hebrew University, made his remarks affirming Germans’ support for Israel, whatever the country’s straits at a reception held in his honor by the American Friends of the Hebrew University. Sam Rothberg, chairman of the Board of Governors of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, presented the Torch of Learning Award to Hesselbach on behalf of the American Friends.
Rothberg cited the wide range of economic assistance from Germany which Hesselbach has personally fostered on behalf of Israel. This includes millions of dollars purchased in State of Israel Bonds by banks and other financial institutions and large investments by German companies geared towards helping Israel become economically independent.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Max M. Kampelman, president of the American Friends. Among those who attended the meeting in Hesselbach’s honor were Heinz Vetter, chairman of the German Trade Union Council; and Dr. Werner Ungerer, the German Consul General in New York.
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