The vanguard of the five thousand delegates and visitors to the thirty-sixth annual convention of the Zionist Organization of American began arriving here today from all parts of the country. The convention is one of the most important held by the organization in recent years in view of the German situation and the necessity for redoubling all efforts to establish a Jewish National Home in Palestine.
Twelve hundred Zionists arrived here tonight from New York in two special trains. Seven hundred delegates from the Arbeiter Ring eastern branches are due here tomorrow. Other hundreds are arriving individually and in groups every hour.
The fact that the convention coincides with Jewish Day at the Century of Progress, which has aroused nation-wide Jewish interest, will bring thousands of interested visitors to the convention. A half dozen other conventions and conferences being held here this week-end will also swell the number.
OFFICIAL CEREMONIES
The convention opens Saturday evening when Morris Rothenberg, president of the Zionist Organization of America, will deliver his report on the past year’s activities at a meeting of the national executive committee. This and all other sessions of the congress will be held at the Palmer House.
The official ceremonies in connection with the opening will be held Sunday morning with greetings by Max Shulman, chairman of the Chicago convention committee, an invocation by Rabbi Felix L. Levy of Chicago and speeches by Mayor Edward J. Kelly, Jacob M. Braude, president of the Chicago Zionist Organization, Mrs. Bertha Berkman, president of the Chicago Hadassah, and Mr. Rothenberg.
WEIZMANN BANQUET
Two sessions will be held during the day, followed by a banquet to Dr. Chaim Weizmann, noted world Zionist leader, in the evening. A large reception committee, headed by B. Hourwich, will greet Dr. Weizmann on his arrival here Sunday at the Englewood Station and will ride with him into the city. Several thousand Zionist enthusiasts are expected to provide a welcoming demonstration at the La Salle Street station. A motorcycle escort has been arranged to guide the Weizmann party to the Palmer House from the station.
About fifteen hundred to two thousand people are expected to crowd the grand ballroom of the hotel Sunday evening at the banquet in Dr. Weizmann’s honor.
Other Zionist affairs held in connection with the convention include the meeting of the Zionist youth group, the Histadruth Ibrith, and the Harophe Hoivri.
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