A children’s village where 1,500 boys and girls will train each year for life on Israel’s soil was dedicated here today in honor of U.S. Senator Herbert H. Lehman. Officials representing the American, French and Israel Governments attended the dedication ceremonies.
Funds for the project–approximately $250,000–were provided by the Joint Distribution Committee. The sum includes support for a second children’s training center, located near Marseilles, where 1,000 Jewish youngsters are prepared annually for life in Israel.
The village is administered by the Youth Aliyah and houses 250 boys and girls at a time. Ranging in age from 13 to 16, they receive instruction in Hebrew, geography, Israel history and agriculture. They farm plots totalling 50 acres and raise their own fruits and vegetables. After two months of training, the youths leave for Israel where they are assigned to Youth Aliyah institutions and agricultural settlements.
At today’s ceremonies, it was reported that more than 40,000 Jewish boys and girls have emigrated to Israel since V-E Day under the auspices of the Youth Aliyah and the Joint Distribution Committee. After the unveiling of a plaque naming the main building in honor of Sen. Lehman, the guests made a tour of inspection of the village and heard songs and dramatic sketches offered by the children. They also joined the youths in lunching at the main dining room.
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