The undaunted attitude of Palestine Jewry in the face of the British White Paper and the determination of the Jews to continue their work of upbuilding the country despite all obstacles was manifested here today at the ceremonies attending the completion of the great drainage scheme on the Haifa Bay lands of the Jewish National Fund.
The entire project, which will rid these lands of mosquitoes and malaria, cost $125,000 and employed 250 men since it was started in July 1929. It involved the construction of a special canal to carry rain and spring water towards the River Kishon.
M. M. Ussischkin, head of the Jewish National Fund said, “we know that the British government, standing in the shoes of Turkey, is against us, but nevertheless our courage is undaunted. The comedy of the last thirteen years is over. We know that Great Britain wants to make Palestine the land of Ishmael and not the land of Israel. But we shall win for Palestine to us is our very life.”
The other speakers, including the labor leaders, Isaac Ben Zvi, M. Mohl and M. Razily, spoke in similar vein of the practical work “that is the best means of parrying the political blow.” Recalling that Justice Louis D. Brandeis in 1919 told him that mosquitoes and malaria were the greatest enemies of the Palestine workers, Mr. Razily said, “we have gotten rid of both.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
