American labor and the steel industry joined here tonight in an impressive tribute to the State of Israel at the largest labor dinner ever held in this country on behalf of State of Israel bonds. Leading executives of the steel industry joined 16 presidents of international unions at the event to laud Israel and the dinner’s guest of honor, I.W. Abel, president of the United Steelworkers of America. A total of $900, 000 worth of Israel bonds was sold in connection with the event.
Among the speakers at the dinner were Walter P. Reuther, president of the United Automobile Workers; Israel’s Minister of Labor, Gen. Yigal Allon; and Dr. Robert C. Weaver, United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Gen. Allon praised Americans for supporting Israel, declaring that such support is “no longer merely an act of faith through investment in Israel’s economic potential, because Israel has demonstrated its ability to fulfill its financial obligations.” Israel, he said, “is now more selective in its planning, trying to become more competitive in world markets and to widen the country’s absorption competition.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.