The importance of tourism to Israel’s economic growth was stressed here yesterday by Israel Consul General C. S. Hyman, speaking at a ceremony marking the dedication of a new EI AI Israel Airlines and tourist information center at Rockefeller Center here. Representatives of the City of New York and of international travel organizations and commissions attended the ceremony.
Mr. Hyman hailed the progress made by Israel’s civil aviation and EI AI in its brief existence and the important role it plays as a link between Israel and the Jewish community of the United States. He emphasized the efforts being made in Israel to make American tourists comfortable. Israel’s growing role as a factor in international commerce was emphasized by Ambassador Richard C. Patterson, Commissioner of Commerce of New York City, who spoke on behalf of Mayor Wagner.
The dedication ceremony, under the patronage of Abba Eban, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, was climaxed by the unveiling of a huge mural by Mrs. Eban. Covering the entire west wall of the premises is the work of Jean David, one of Israel’s foremost contemporary painters. Several others of Israel’s finest artists, as well as the distinguished American artist Ben Shahn, have contributed to the decor.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.