J.D.C. Aiding 35,000 Jews in Israel, Leavitt Reports Upon Return

Moses A. Leavitt, executive vice-chairman of the Joint Distribution Committee, who returned from a two month survey tour of the agency’s activities in Israel and Europe, today reported that JDC is currently assisting more than 35,000 men, women and children yearly in the Jewish State. Mr. Leavitt was elected chairman of the American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service during his absence abroad.

As a result of the expansion of the special JDC welfare program in Israel, known as Malben, Mr. Leavitt indicated, the once-critical situation with regard to tuberculosis sufferers in the Jewish State has now been brought under control. Some 1,165 TB sufferers are now receiving care in a network of Malben hospitals, sanatoria and other installations throughout the Jewish State.

Other aspects of the Malben program, the JDC leader indicated, include care for the aged, custodial care, the provision of out-patient care and prosthesis, the establishment of 18 sheltered workshops where physically handicapped individuals are enabled to support themselves, and a system of rehabilitation loans which have aided nearly 10,000 persons to integrate themselves into the economic life of their new homeland.

“Everywhere I went in Israel,” Mr. Leavitt said, “I was struck not only with the accomplishments of the Malben program, but with the deep gratitude of Israelis in all walks of life for Malben’s contributions. Government officials were particularly grateful for the fact that Malben has taken this tremendous burden of care from the government’s shoulders. As for the patients, it is amazing to contrast their helplessness upon their arrival in Israel with their present vitality and good spirits as a result of the extraordinary care which they have received.”