Zionist ‘peace Corps’ Will Increase Threefold, Youth Serve on Kibbutzim

The Zionist version of the Peace Corps — a movement which brings youngsters from all parts of the world to Israel for a year’s voluntary service on a kibbutz — will be increased threefold, according to a resolution adopted here at the closing session of the conference of the World Confederation of General Zionists. The General Zionists and the Jewish Agency jointly finance the movement which is known as “Shnat Sherut” (Year’s Service). They plan to increase the number of volunteers from 200 to 600 a year and have agreed to finance the purchase or construction of additional youth hostels in Israel to accommodate the increase.

(The American Zionist Youth Foundation announced in New York that more than 1,500 high school and college students will participate this summer in programs in Israel. According to Charles Bick, chairman, the Summer Kibbutz in Israel program has tripled its enrollment this year with 450 participants. He credited the increased interest in Israel among college students and the work of local Israel programs committees for the record enrollment. The Sherut La’am (National Service) which is the American title for “Shnat Sherut” will send 150 volunteers to Israel this year. Other American youth will participate in the Israel Summer Institute, a study and tour program for college-aged youngsters established 20 years ago.)

Dr. Israel Goldstein, president of Keren Hayesod, the fund-raising arm of the World Zionist movement, was elected co-chairman of the World Confederation of General Zionists along with Mrs. Rose L. Halprin of New York. Elected vice chairmen were Mrs. Charlotte Jacobson, president of Hadassah, who was also elected to the Jewish Agency Executive, and Ezra Shapiro. Kalman Sultanik was elected executive vice chairman.