The Jewish community of Denmark conferred last night the honorary title of “Ben Adam” (humanitarian) on Trygve Lie, first Secretary General of the United Nations. The award is made annually to an outstanding personality for services to mankind and to the Jewish people.
The award, made to Mr. Lie in the tenth anniversary year of the State of Israel, recognized his role in bringing about the creation of the state. In his speech of acceptance, Mr. Lie described the growth of Israel and the in-gathering of a million refugees as a “fantastic adventure.” He warned that there was still danger for Israel and that this peril was increasing with political development in the Middle East.
Mr. Lie said Israel is one of the genuine creations of the United Nations. He stressed that this creation was sponsored jointly by the Soviet Union and the United States. He deplored the fact that in recent years the USSR had forgotten its sponsorship responsibilities and has favored other countries in the Middle East.
Israel Ambassador Zvi Avnon, who also addressed the assemblage, hailed Mr. Lie’s role in the passage of the November 1947 partition resolution which gave recognition to the Jewish State. He called the decision an “unflinching and courageous stand” of men of vision, like Trygve Lie.
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