The Joint Distribution Committee reported last night that it had helped more than 135,000 aged and disabled immigrants and their dependents in Israel during the last ten years since its establishment of the Malben there.
The report, issued by Moses A. Leavitt, J.D.C. executive vice chairman–in connection with the 10th anniversary of the Malben–stressed the fact that many of these newcomers, listed as “hard core cases,” had been integrated in Israel’s economy. Malben is the J. D. C.’s welfare program for aged and handicapped immigrants in Israel. The aid given by the J.D. C. to these immigrants relieved Israel of the burden of caring for them, Mr. Leavitt pointed out.
The report said that between 17,000 and 20,000 newcomers were receiving Malben-J. D. C. aid annually. In the field of care for the aged, the Malben program maintains twenty-one homes in Israel. There also is an extramural program for the aged that includes cash grants; housing aid and housekeeper services.
The report also disclosed that Malben supported twenty-three Golden Age Clubs to provide recreational facilities. Mr. Leavitt pointed out that when Malben began its operations in Israel there were only 350 beds for tuberculosis victims. Today the bed capacity is 2,000. The Malben program also includes a network of rehabilitation services and in-service training courses for nurses.
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