Saphir Says Israel Prepared to Grasp Any Opportunity to End War, Work for Coexistence

Joseph Saphir, Israel’s Minister of Trade and Industry, declared here last night that “We are prepared to grasp any opportunity to end the war which costs us dearly, but not at the expense of our security and future.” Mr. Saphir was the principal speaker at the annual dinner of the American Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He told the 500 guests at the Waldorf Astoria: “We have declared many time again and again that we are prepared to sit down and talk peace and find a means of coexistence with our neighbors. We want to build up a new democratic society that can be an example to the whole Middle East and the world.” He warned the audience that “we are facing bitter times,” but he stressed that “we are determined to survive.” He expressed the hope that the free world, including the United States, would understand the role of Israel as a bulwark and a dam preventing the flooding of the Middle East by Communism.” The dinner honored Spiro P. Skouras, a Greek American and a leading figure in the film industry and shipping, for his contribution to Jewry and Israel.