William J. Levitt, the New York builder who revolutionized the mass housing industry in America right after World War II, announced here last night that he planned to build a “Levittown” in Israel to provide housing for 50,000 persons. Levitt spoke at the inauguration of a 70-acre tract acquired by Bar Ilan University adjacent to its campus. The land was purchased with a donation of an undisclosed amount by the American builder.
Levitt described his project as a Primary Employment Town (PET). He said it called for a complete city with employment in 6000 basic or primary jobs which could support a population of 50,000. He said he was discussing a site for his town with Israeli officials. Bar Ilan awarded Levitt an honorary Ph. D. in recognition of his donation.
SOFIA (JTA) A large memorial service was held in the Jewish cemetery here earlier this month in memory of the Bulgarian Jewish war dead.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
