A $10 million security fence constructed along the tense northern section of Israel’s border with Jordan was unveiled for newsmen who were told yesterday of the heavy financial burdens Israeli taxpayers must bear to protect life and property against Arab marauders. The reporters were conducted on a tour of the northern region by Dr. Israel Goldstein, chairman of Keren Hayesod, the fund-raising arm of the World Zionist Organization.
The Jordan Valley settlements have been a prime target for Jordanian artillery and mortar attacks and almost half of the defense budget for the region is spent on underground shelters, trenches. and improved communications, Dr. Goldstein said. In addition, reinforced concrete roofs are being built over some 200 children’s rooms and dining halls in the settlements as added protection against mortar shells. The settlers themselves bear the cost of furnishing and equipping the shelters to make them liveable for long hours on end. Dr. Goldstein said that the tremendous cost of defense borne entirely by the Israel Government makes it imperative for world Jewry to assist the maintenance of social welfare, education and immigrant absorption services in Israel. For that reason, he said, the United Jewish Appeal is extending its special emergency fund campaign for another year.
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