Israel’s Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai told 300 American Jewish leaders here that Israel has received $750 million in supplemental economic aid from the U.S. and “a check is on its way” to Jerusalem.
Modai, addressing the banquet session of the four-day 1985 Israel Bond Leadership Campaign which ended yesterday, said this was an indication of America’s satisfaction with Israel for taking the proper but difficult policies for economic recovery last July.
The Finance Minister, who conferred with Administration officials before coming here, said, “After meeting with Vice President George Bush, Secretary of State George Shultz and Secretary of the Treasury James Baker in Washington these past two days, I am certain Israel can rely on the friendship of the U.S.”
Modai asserted that the Administration is very sincere in trying to help the countries of the Middle East find peace. “Israel would make any sacrifice for peace but only if the peace will be there permanently,” he said. He ruled out any dealings with the Palestine Liberation Organization or its leader, Yasir Arafat.
‘ISRAEL HAS PAID IN BLOOD AND LIVES’
“Israel has paid in blood and lives for its security and does not have the right to take risks for vague promises on behalf of its citizens, “Modai said. Referring to the possibility of U.S. arms sales to Jordan and other Arab countries, Modai stressed that Israel is unalterably opposed to such moves. Israel, he said, would object to ” any supply of any arms to any nation which does not come to terms with Israel.” He said experience has shown that such arms would be turned against Israel.
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yehudah Halevy, president of the Israel Bond Organization, presented his analysis of the 1984-85 campaign. He asserted that the funds mobilized by the Bond Organization are “Israel’s working capital. “Halevy observed that “security is not only tanks and planes. It also means a strong economy.”
Israeli Premier Shimon Peres, in a message from Jerusalem to the conference, pointed out that “Israelis in all walks of life have willingly accepted stringent measures which we hope will help us achieve a speedy recovery and restore the nation to economic stability and growth.” He called upon the assembled delegates to “increase and expand your efforts” to help Israel overcome its economic crisis. Israel’s President Chaim Herzog also sent a message, stating, “In the crucial effort to revive both growth and its concomitant, employment, increased investment can help markedly to advance Israel along the road to economic health and strength.”
No Bulletins will be published September 15, 16 and 17, Rosh Hashanah.
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