Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D. Mass.), following his return from a 10-day fact-finding tour of the Middle East, last night urged a reaffirmation of friendship and commitment to the State of Israel and landed Israeli society as an unparalleled phenomenon in modern times.
Speaking at the Israel Histadrut Awards Dinner at the Sidney Hill Country Club, Kennedy noted that much of Israel’s staunch, democratic personality comes from its pioneering character and from Histadrut, Israel’s federation of labor. “Histadrut, since its establishment in 1920, has been dedicated not only to the protection of workers’ rights but to the cause of equality and social justice in general, “he said.
“Too often we remember only what we have given to Israel and forget what Israel has given to the world, the power of faith, the preservation of human values,” Kennedy noted. “Israel is living evidence that dreams–even the most distant dreams–can be realized if we have the courage to do what is necessary to make them come true.”
Kennedy received Histadrut’s Medal of Honor for his “continuous assistance and friendship to the State of Israel,” Proceeds of the $100-a-plate dinner will go toward the establishment of the Senator Edward M. Kennedy Histadrut Scholarship Fund to enable youngsters from underprivileged families in Israel to complete their academic or vocational high school education.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
