A national cash campaign for Israel Bonds was officially launched here yesterday by Israel’s former Defense Minister Shimon Peres. The present leader of the Labor Alignment, who is now in this country, spoke via telephone hook-up to Jewish leaders in more than 40 communities in the United States and Canada. The Israel Bond cash campaign is being conducted from now through Dec. 18 to speed the payment of outstanding Bond commitments and stimulate the purchase of new Bonds.
Examining the present situation in Israel from two points of view, Peres said: “The first and immediate approach finds us in deep international crisis with elements of danger and uncertainty casting a dark shadow over our future. The second, long-range approach is dictated by the fact that we shall soon celebrate the 30th anniversary of our independence. That occasion must serve as a source of renewed hope and encouragement in facing the problems of the days ahead.”
Peres stated that “No people which has gone through the ordeal of war and terror for three decades can be defeated by political pressures. No people which has established an unparalleled record of achievements in economic, cultural and scientific progress can succumb to the burdens of inflation and defense. No nation which has had the Jewish people around the world as an unwavering and devoted ally can be brought to its knees by hostility born out of the might of the petrodollar and the ever-present poison of anti-Semitism.” Peres was introduced by Sam Rothberg, general chairman of the Israel Bond Organization.
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