Special greetings on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, to the people of Israel and to Jews the world over, were issued here today by President Zalman Shazar of Israel and Prime Minister Levi Eshkol.
Both pointed to the great economic and social progress made by Israel in the last year, and the absorption of Jewish immigrants which, Mr, Eshkol said, included “tens of thousands” of newcomers “from the ends of the earth.” Both noted that the current Israeli political campaign for the election of members of the Knesset (Parliament) is a sign of Israel’s viability as a firm democracy.
President Shazar stated in part: “Our blessing goes particularly to all who have come this year from many lands to live among us and who are still experiencing the difficulties of adjustment to new conditions. Even though homes are ready and work is available, there are inevitably social and cultural hardships troubling every newcomer. It is our hope and prayer that these will be borne with understanding and love and overcome quickly, so that those newly arrived this year will soon be truly integrated in their land and its culture, and them selves become ready and able to absorb great numbers of future newcomers.”
Mr. Eshkol, speaking not only as Prime Minister but also as Minister of Defense, stated that “Israel’s defensive and deterrent strength have increased, as did the circles of Israel’s friendships in the world, particularly among the new states.” He singled out Israel’s negotiations with the United States on the project to build a dual-purpose nuclear plant for the provision of electric power and desalination of sea water, as well as the agreement with France for joint oceanographic research.
“The gamut of achievements,” he declared, “is great. In those achievements, the Jewish communities overseas are partners who aided us materially and morally.” He concluded his message with the sending of special greetings to the Jews of the Soviet Union. “We hope for the day when they will be able to join us in this, their forefathers’ heritage. We wish them that the gates may be opened and we call upon the authorities of that great country to permit their emigration and to give substance to their national and cultural rights.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
