Prof. Albert Einstein’s deep interest in Jewish life was emphasized in messages from Israel’s Prime Minister, Moshe Sharett, and Dr. Nahum Goldmann, chairman of the Jewish Agency, presented to him yesterday at the home in Princeton, New Jersey, on the occasion of his 75th birthday. The messages were included in a testimonial volume in which 15 Nobel Prize winners and more than 60 distinguished scientists, statesmen and educators joined in paying tribute to Dr. Einstein.
Mr. Sharett, in his message, stated: “As a Jew, Prof. Einstein has brought glory to his people and honor to their name by his wisdom, scientific eminence and unswerving struggle for human freedom. If his intellect has been so brilliantly creative in opening new horizons of knowledge for humanity at large, his heart has always been with his own people in its torments, trials and triumphs.
“Israel is proud to send him its best wishes and congratulations on his 75th birthday. We all pray that he may continue to adorn, teach and inspire this world for many years to come.”
Dr. Goldmann said in his message: “Prof. Einstein has never been indifferent to the fate of his people. He has always been a proud Jew and has taken a profound, active and vigorous interest in the Jewish political and intellectual movements of our day. Through his authority and personality, he has made lasting contributions to all Jewish institutions and enterprises which engaged his interest.”
The testimonial volume was presented to Prof. Einstein at a quiet ceremony at his home by a delegation representing the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. The volume was sponsored by the College which was named for Prof. Einstein on his last birthday. Messages from former President Harry S. Truman, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Lester B. Pearson, Secretary of State for External Affairs for the Dominion of Canada, and Luigi Einaudi, President of Italy, are among those in the volume.
Leading newspapers throughout the United States today carried editorials emphasizing Prof. Einstein’s contribution to science. The New York Herald Tribune said in an editorial: “He is a figure on the streets of his town just as he is a figure in scientific history, and to both he lends unique dignity as a symbol of man’s inquiring spirit. In America he has found a home and the freedom to follow his own paths, and he cherishes both. On his seventy-fifth birthday his fellow Americans will join millions of others the world over in wishing him many more years of contentment and achievement.”
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