Three young Americans captured top honors at the 10th International Bible Quiz here this afternoon. They defeated 30 other finalists from 18 countries including Israel which, for the first time, failed to place among the first three winners.
First prize went to 16-year-old Liora Reich of the Yeshiva of Flatbush. Brooklyn, NY, who scored 44 out of a possible 46 points. Second place went to David Leeman, 17, of the Rambam Yeshiva in Boston with a score of 41.5. Third place was taken by Rahel Mazliah, of Philadelphia, with 39.5 points. Israeli contestants took fourth and fifth places.
The results astonished the crowd that filled the Beit Haam auditorium on Independence Day afternoon and the hundreds who congregated outside to hear the quiz over loudspeakers. The first five winners received education grants of IL 1000 from Deputy Premier and Education Minister Yigal Allon.
The quiz lasted three hours and was broadcast live by the Army radio station. Former Premier David Ben-Gurion, honorary president of the Bible Quiz Board, attended for most of the time. The panel of judges was chaired by Interior Minister Joseph Burg.
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