Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Good Will Permeates Arab-jewish Parley on Plight of Citrus Growers

January 18, 1940
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Amid scenes of Arab-Jewish good will unprecedented in Palestine for many years, a convention of the Jewish Farmers Federation met here today to discuss distressing conditions in the citrus industry. Among the 1,000 delegates attending the conference were 150 Arabs, many of prominent families.

The meeting adopted resolutions calling on the Palestine Government to push a relief program for the citrus growers, including abolition of United Kingdom duties; extension of loans to help maintain groves; suspension of the land tax for groves; prevention of foreclosures and imprisonment for debt; and regulation of exports and shipping arrangements. The conviction was expressed that if such a program were embarked upon immediately, the present season could still be retrieved.

A delegation of seven Jews and seven Arabs, headed by S. Tolkowsky, general manager of the Jaffa Citrus Exchange in Tel Aviv, was appointed to interview the High Commissioner. The proceedings were bilingual and were filled with allusions to the importance of cooperation and assurances of mutual esteem. The delegates were entertained by the veteran colonist Abraham Shapiro at a typical Arab outdoor barbecue of many whole sheep.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement