Independence Hall, historic citadel of America’s successful struggle for freedom, was the scene today of a symbolic ceremony climaxing the observance of the ninth anniversary of the independence of Israel in this country. In the presence of a distinguished assembly, Israel’s Ambassador Abba Eban, accompanied by Dr. Emanuel Neumann, president of the Zionist Organization of America, tapped the Liberty Bell nine times, once for each year of Israel’s independence, as he recited in Hebrew and English the Biblical quotation from Leviticus engraved on the bell; “Proclaim Liberty Through the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof.”
The ceremonies were highlighted by a reception at City Hall by Mayor Richardson Dilworth in honor of Ambassador Eban and Dr. Neumann, a review of an Army honor platoon by the Ambassador followed by a public meeting at Independence Square Park featuring the Philadelphia Naval Base band, and a color guard of U.S. Marines. Speaking from a bunting-draped grandstand erected by the city, Ambassador Eban voiced high optimism in regard to Israel’s future. Dr. Neumann compared Israel’s struggle for independence with that of America.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
