The annual absorption of an expected 200,000 immigrants was predicted last night by Premier David Ben Gurion, addressing the seventh Histadrut convention.
The Israeli Premier estimated that it would cost half a billion dollars to bring in and absorb 200,000 newcomers and provide at least 60,000 to 70,000 housing units and 12 to 15 thousand agricultural units needed for them annually.
The Premier said that exports now reached only 3,000,000 pounds (about $12,000,000) annually. He called for a radical increase, adding that otherwise Israel’s economic independence was endangered. He also urged an increase in the productivity of labor and the use of modern production methods.
Israel’s main aims were gathering in the exiles and carrying out the Socialist ideal which “is up to our generation to accomplish,” he stated. He called for a great pioneering movement all over the world, especially in the United States and said that all Israeli youths were obliged to spend part of their youth in agricultural work and that every child should be taught a useful trade. Israel’s tribulations had not yet passed, he went on, warning against too early complacency and self-confidence.
The Histadrut convention is being attended by 500 delegates from all over the country and many visitors and representatives from abroad.
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