Metzenbaum Praises Israel for Willingness to Return Territory

–Sen. Howard Metzenbaum (D. Ohio) said last night that Israel’s willingness to return much of the land it conquered in wars that were started by the Arab nations is one of the few instances in history “where the aggressors can even hope for making a return to land which they lost.”

However, he added in a telephonic address from Washington to the 52nd national convention of the American Mizrachi Women (AMW) meeting here at the Century Plaza Hotel, “Where the Jewish people are concerned, the rules are different. When it comes to the Middle East you find that world opinion would have Israel come to the bargaining table with its hands tied.”

Metzenbaum, who was unable to attend the convention, was the recipient of the AMW’s Public Service Award. Actually, the award was first given last year to three Jewish Senators. At that time, Metzenbaum was not yet in office and thus he was accorded this honor last night.

In addition, Sarah Shane, AMW president, announced that Joseph J. Sisco, former Under secretary of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs and currently president of the American University in Washington, has been named this year’s recipient of the America-Israel Friendship Award. The award is presented annually to an outstanding American who is not Jewish.

In other events, cables and letters from President Carter, Vice President Walter Mondale, Senators and other national public figures were received by Mrs. Shane lauding the AMW’s activities and supporting future activities of the organization.

In a two-page cable, Carter expressed the hope that “this year will bring major steps toward the realization of Israel’s dream of lasting peace….” The President also stated that the AMW’s contributions to Israel’s philanthropic institutions “gives concrete meaning to the bonds that united our peoples.” The AMW, the leading religious women’s Zionist organization in the U.S., supports child care facilities, vocational training schools and community and social centers throughout Israel.

Mondale, who focused on the organization’s convention theme, “The Needs and Rights of Children,” stated: “I have the greatest admiration for your continued work and for the attention you are devoting to the fields of child care, education and social services.” The convention, which began Sunday, ends tomorrow.