Second Anniversary of Israel’s Independence Will Be Observed in U.S. Congress on Monday

The second anniversary of Israel’s independence, which is being celebrated on Sunday by Jews throughout the world, will be observed in Congress on Monday when speeches will be delivered in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. Monday evening many members of Congress and of the diplomatic corps will attend a reception tendered by Israel Ambassador Eliahu Elath.

Ambassador Elath today issued a message of greetings to the American Jewish community on the occasion of the anniversary. The message reads:

“The state of Israel has proved in two years of struggle and hardship that it is a going concern. It is an outstanding example of how devotion and energy coupled with skill and organization can overcome even the greatest obstacles. Israel has victoriously repulsed the aggression of an enemy which outnumbered it 40 to 1. She has taken in almost 400,000 immigrants, more than 60 percent of her original population. She has built her internal structure on solid foundations. Progress is apparent everywhere. Liberty reigns throughout the country and her democratic foundations are firmly established.

“But the period of struggle and hardship is not yet over. In absorbing this enormous number of immigrants, in keeping her gates open for every Jew who wishes to enter, Israel has voluntarily taken upon herself the task in which the Jewish people as a whole must share. She cannot single-handedly shoulder that tremendous burden.

“The Jewish community of America has in the past supported Israel in a most generous manner and has a large and distinguished share in the creation of the new state. I am certain that this happy cooperation will continue in the future on an even extended scale, as befits the strongest living branch of the Jewish people, which is American Jewry. In this hour of destiny, it will not fail to hear the call of duty and to fulfil its mission.”