UJA Parley Told No Business Recession in Sight for 1954

Widely held fears of one month ago that 1954 would witness a general recession in the American economy are not being fulfilled, and “today a more optimistic view appears to be warranted,” Dr. Louis H. Bean, Washington economist and veteran government analyst, today told members of the board of the National Women’s Division of the United Jewish Appeal at the close of a two-day meeting in the Belmont Plaza Hotel.

Dr. Bean, who won high distinction in 1948 as one of the few analysts to forecast President Truman’s re-election, told the women leaders of the United Jewish Appeal that calls for increased support of the Appeal’s 1954 campaign are warranted by the continuation of a high level of American business prosperity.

Mrs. Avraham Harman, member on Israel’s mission to the United Nations, told the conference that Israel’s success in passing the mid-way mark to economic independence has been heavily “influenced and assisted” by help rendered through the United Jewish Appeal. “The greatness and genius of the United Jewish Appeal,” she declared, “lies in the fact that its dedicated workers have identified themselves with the forces of human freedom.”

The Israeli woman diplomat told the UJA leaders that funds made available for settlement, development and rehabilitation programs in her country would help to maintain the high rate of progress established in the past, especially in the rate of immigrant absorption, and agricultural development. She emphasized that the people of Israel are determined to go forward with their plans for economic stability, and are not being led off course by hostile outbreaks and tensions on her borders.