Jewish leaders in the United States and Canada issued messages today on the occasion of Israel’s 27th anniversary, They expressed solidarity with the Jewish State, awareness of Israel’s problems and confidence in Israel’s ability to cope with them.
Sam Rothberg, general chairman of the Israel Bond Organization, in his message, observed that “The intensification of Arab economic warfare during the past year has served to place into bold relief the pivotal importance of the economic arena in Israel’s struggle for peace.” The Jewish State, he continued, still staggering from the effects of the Yom Kippur War on its financial position which has been further aggravated by an unprecedented defense budget and a very high rate of inflation, “must be fortified today by large scale support.”
Philip Givens, national president of the Canadian Zionist Federation, stated that “this will be a year requiring great courage and vigilance during a period of unparalleled tribulation.” But, he noted, “with every passing day the State of Israel gains vigor and strength through its continued progress–winning status in the world community and wider recognition as the focal point for the Jewish people throughout the dispersion.” He added: “Israel needs not only material aid. Our efforts must be geared toward a more creative Zionism–with an emphasis on aliya and Jewish education.”
Mrs. Charlotte Jacobson, chairman of the American Section of the World Zionist Organization, declared, “Never has American Jewry been as united in support of Israel as it is today. The Jewish community in the United States fully understands the problems Israel faces and is impressed by the spirit of compromise and flexibility” it displayed in the negotiations conducted by Secretary of State Henry A, Kissinger and unfortunately suspended “because of Egyptian intransigence.”
Melvin Dubinsky, chairman, and Irving Kessler, executive vice-chairman of the United Israel Appeal, stated: “We trust that this year, though fraught with great dangers, will yet bring us all closer to the era of peace. This long-sought peace depends to a large extent on the inner strength of Israel’s people. We, the Jewish community of the United States, share in strengthening them.”
Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, president of the Rabbinical Council of America, said: “The birth of Israel was one of the great miracles of all time. Coming as it did upon the heels of the great war and the Holocaust, it represented God’s providence and the fulfillment of His ancient pledge to restore the land of Israel to the people of Israel.”
Meanwhile, it was announced that more than 100 contingents will be marching along Fifth Avenue in New York on May 11 in the “Salute To Israel Parade.”
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