“youth Aliyah Day” Observed in N. Y.; Pratt Stresses Educational Objectives

One of Israel’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to provide “genuine education” to its children, Simcha Pratt, Israel Consul-General, asserted here today. He stressed that the Jewish State is developing future generations of citizens “who understand the vital necessity of democracy as a prerequisite to human survival.”

Mr. Pratt spoke at ceremonies marking the tenth annual Child’s Day for Youth Aliyah at the Israel Consulate, under the auspices of Hadassah, Pioneer Women, and the Mizra-chi Women’s Organization of America. Youth Aliyah is an international agency for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation in Israel of homeless Jewish children. Hadassah is the official representative of Youth Aliyah in the United States.

Mr. Pratt characterized Israel’s educational objectives as “Education for Freedom,” stating that “ours is an educational system under which our children are taught to respect the rights of others, to appreciate other people’s opinions, and to cherish the freedom of democracy and peace.” He paid high tribute to Youth Aliyah, pointing out that “by ministering to the needs of underprivileged children, Youth Aliyah is making ann inestimable contribution to the welfare and well-being of Israel and to that peace we hope to achieve in the Middle East and in the world as a whole.”

Mrs. Henry Goldman of Hadassah, United States chairman for Child’s Day for Youth Aliyah, told the audience of more than 200 persons that Youth Aliyah plans call for the absorption of 10,000 Jewish children within its institutions in the two-year period ending December 31, 1960. This, she said, would bring to 100,000 the number of young people handled by Youth Aliyah since its inception in 1934. During this period, she added, Hadassah has contributed $36.5 million to “the humanitarian work of Youth Aliyah.”