Israel’s hand of friendship to the Arab nations was extended this week-end by President Chaim Weizmann in a message issued on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Himself one of the founders of the University, Dr. Weizmann was not able to attend the celebration because of his ill health. However, his message was read by Professor Selig Brodetsky, president of the University, at a ceremony here attended by more than 3,000 people. Expressing the hope that the Hebrew University will soon return to its quarters on Mount Scopus, which is in Arab-held territory, Dr. Weizmann said:
“In the very year when we laid the foundation of the Hebrew University, we also laid the foundation for a house not yet built–for Jewish Arab friendship. The words of mutual reassurance and good-will which I exchanged in 1918 with King Feisal may not have been in vain. Perhaps sooner than the enemies of peace think, the day may come when the two nations will, to their mutual benefit, contribute to the establishment of a belt of flourishing countries, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean where the people of Israel and those of the Arab countries will cooperate in peace and in harmony.”
The Israel President declared he was confident that “beyond the noise of war propaganda and the clamor for revenge in the camp of our neighbors, reason will prevail.” From the city of Jerusalem and from Mount Scopus should come forth the message of peace and constructive work for the benefit of the people of Israel and its noighbors,” he urged.
ISRAEL WILL NOT BE TESTED BY MIGHT OF ITS ARMY. BEN GURION SAYS
Premier David Ben Gurion, addressing the audience, pointed out that the rebirth of Israel was not, and will not be, confined to the establishment of a governmental machinery for the Jewish people, but will find its supreme and complete fulfillment by revealing its eternal spirit and fulfilling the historic mission in the redemption of humanity.
“Israel,” he said, “will concentrate for a long time to come on most of its strength and resources to upbuild its land and maintain security, but Israel will not be tested by the might of its army. The great historic test will be a spiritual test. Even our security will not be on sound foundations unless it is based on moral and spiritual supremacy.”
Brig. Yigal Yadin, Israel Chief of Staff who is a graduate of the Hebrew University, said in his address to the audience: “The war is not yet over. Our enemies are still threatening us and Israel must still maintain a firm army. We will not create a professional army, but our fighting people and the Hebrew University can greatly assist the state by educating the youth to be morally and scientifically superior to the enemies.” He concluded by expressing the hope that Mount Scopus will soon be returned to Israel.
Other speakers at the ceremony which took place on the Terra Sanota College grounds here included Professor Brodetsky, who was installed as president of the University during the ceremony. Chief Rabbi Isaac Herzog, who was among the prominent guests, was not permitted by his physician to speak. The public ceremony was followed by a festive reception attended by more than 6,000 people including U.S. Ambassador James G. McDonald.
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