(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
The cornerstone of the Health Center to serve all races and creeds in Palestine, modelled after American institutions, was laid yesterday with impressive ceremonies in the presence of the donor, Nathan Straus, American Jewish philanthropist. Mr. Straus, who made a special trip to Palestine notwithstanding his 79 years, to attend the ceremonies and survey the work, is defraying the entire cost of the Center which it is estimated will be $250,000. Lord Plumer, High Commissioner of Palestine, laid the stone.
Foreign consuls, government officials, church dignitaries and representatives of Jewish, Christian and Moslem organizations were present. Miss Henrietta Szold, honorary president of the Hadassah, the Zionist Women’s Organization of America, presided.
The Health Center will consist of 18 departments, including sections for pasteurization, infant care, care of children of pre-school and school age, and pre-natal care. The Center will also serve as the headquarters for the medical work of the Hadassah in Palestine.
In his address Lord Plumer expressed the thanks and appreciation of all the people of Palestine for Mr. Straus’s magnificent gift. The High Commissioner appealed to “all to follow the example shown us by Mr. Nathan Straus through his methods of service. There are hundreds of children in Palestine who are crying for help. We must feel the responsibility and establish welfare institutions. This work precludes any controversy and fosters mutual respect and goodwill which is so essential for the future of Palestine,” the High Commissioner declared.
Oscar S. Heizer, United States Consul in Jerusalem, pointed to the fact that Nathan Straus’s activity in the United States has saved hundreds of thousands of children. His center in Jerusalem will be a source of blessing to all, he said.
Mr. Nashashibi, Arab mayor of Jerusalem, emphasized that the Straus institutions are being built for the benefit of all communities.
The huge gathering assembled on the site, in the sunny Palestine afternoon, gave a long ovation to the grand old man of American Jewry.
“This is the happiest moment of my life,” Mr. Straus began. “It crowns all I have done until now. The Health Center will introduce into the Holy Land the latest modern methods in hygiene and sanitation for the benefit of all inhabitants, regardless of creed. I am anxious that peace shall prevail among Christians, Jews and Arabs.
“The rehabilitation of Palestine by the Jews is benefiting the entire population. I am proud of what my people have accomplished in Palestine during the last eight years; proud of our pioneers, of the Hadassah and of the old Jewish colonies. I must, however, say on this occasion that some of the rich Jews have lagged in their duty. They ought to come here and get inspiration. The new spirit will afford them greater happiness in all their wealth. Palestine is now the only land which is open to the persecuted Jews. It is high time for the Jews of the world to make greater sacrifices for our people. The world is watching us and by our actions in the next ten years we shall be judged.
“Jerusalem is destined to be the Capital of Peace and again become the fountainhead of the great religions. We are merely God’s instruments. He will rebuild Palestine through us if we are big enough for self-sacrifice and wise enough to avail ourselves of the greatest opportunity of the last two thousand years,” Mr. Straus declared.
Lord Plumer cheered Mr. Straus on the conclusion of his address.
In introducing Mr. Straus, Miss Szold declared that the American Jewish philanthropist completes in Palestine what he has done in the Diaspora. He is building a Temple of Health, she declared.
Col. Frederick H. Kisch brought a message on behalf of the Zionist Executive of Jerusalem. Dr. Bluestone, head of the Hadassah medical work outlined the importance of the Center and its program of work. David Yellin, president of the National Council of Palestine Jews, stated that the Straus center is symbolic of all the Jewish activity in Palestine which aims at benefiting all the communities. Mr. Heron, director of the Palestine government Health Department, declared that the Center will be an ideal home and a monument to the progress of Palestine health.
The ceremonies were concluded by singing “Hatikvah”.
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