“Israel’s future lies in renewed large mass immigration.” Mayor Oved Ben-Ami of Nathanya declared at a press conference here today. He stressed the urgent need for the absorption of recent newcomers and pointed out that the full utilization of the manpower and skills of the immigrants will increase Israel’s productivity and enable the state to expand its export trade.
The Israel mayor, who arrived here to begin a five-week tour of 25 major American cities in connection with the United Jewish Appeal’s current emergency effort to raise $35,000,000 in cash, said that 50 percent of the immigrants who came to Israel since 1948 have been absorbed “in suitable housing, in agricultural settlements, cities and towns and industries.” He disclosed, however, that there are still 250,000 men, women and children living in camps, barracks, tents and temporary shelters. “Israel cannot afford to leave these people in this condition indefinitely,” he stated.
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