Israel Celebrates Third Anniversary of Independence Today; President Issues Message

Preparations for the celebration tomorrow of the third anniversary of Israel’s independence were completed today throughout the country. Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other cities in Israel are beflagged and a holiday spirit is apparent everywhere.

In Jerusalem a huge platform has been erected to accommodate 2,500 invited guests, including members of parliament, diplomats, high government officials and military authorities. A quarter of all the space has been allotted to tourists.

In an Independence Day message issued here today President Weizmann recalled the “miracle” of the creation of the Jewish state three years ago, and stressed the “unceasing process of creative endeavor for the consolidations of the state and the creating of conditions for the admission and integration of the exiles.” The President’s message also pointed out that the country’s population has doubled in the three years of Jewish statehood, while in all spheres of development and defense there has been constant progress.

Reviewing the tasks still facing the tiny Jewish state, Dr. Weizmann said that many exiles still await immigration and redemption. “We must receive and absorb them,” the message declared. “Willingly and lovingly we undertook this heavy burden of responsibility and hardship, and we shall fulfill this mission. Nor have we stood alone. The faithful hand of brotherhood has been extended to us by the Jewish communities abroad, particularly the illustrious Jewish community of the United States which is now rising to new heights in its endeavor to aid the reconstruction of our people and our state.”

Expressing confidence in the ability of Israel to carry out its responsibility to welcome every Jew, the President’s message emphasized “we have not yet attained the longed for peace with our neighbors. But we still stretch forth to them the hand of peace, without relaxing our military preparedness.”