Mrs. Abzug Visiting Israel to Learn About Nation’s Problems, Needs, Hopes

Rep. Bell S. Abzug, elected last November as the first Jewish Congress-woman, said she was going to visit Israel this week “to see, to listen and to learn about Israel’s hopes, needs and problems.” Mrs. Abzug, who left today for Israel and will return next Sunday, said she looked forward “with great eagerness” to her first visit to the Jewish State since her election. She has been there before “as a private citizen,” she noted to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “and my interest in Israel dates back to childhood, when I collected funds for the Zionist movement in the subways of New York.” The Democrat said she planned to meet with Israeli political leaders, members of the Knesset, labor officials, child care officials, health and education personnel, immigration officers, and members of kibbutzim and “prominent women.” Mrs. Abzug, a leader in the women’s liberation movement in the United States, said she would file a “special report” on her return for the benefit of her constituents in her Congressional District, who “have traditionally a special closeness to Israel and its people.” The legislator is a member of the House Government Operations and Public Works Committees.