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Zionists Must Work for Decades Before Israel is Completely Stabilized, Neumann Says

September 21, 1948
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“It will be decades before the great task of Up-building Israel and establishing its political stability, security and economic prosperity” is fully realized, Dr. Emanuel Neumann, president of the Zionist Organization of America, declared here last night at a mooting of the National Administrative Council of the organization.

“The Zionist movement which has given “birth to the state of Israel is moving forward triumphantly toward the complete consummation of our sacred ideal,” Dr. Neumann said. However, he pointed out that “we must all frankly recognize that there sill lies ahead of us a critical period full of difficulties and pitfalls.”

Dr. Israel Goldstein, newly-elected treasurer of the Jewish Agency, told the meeting that “the people of Israel are mindful of the part played by American Jewry in the events which have led to the proclamation of the state of Israel. They look forward now to help from American Jewry on the economic front comparable to that which they extended on the political ftont,” he added. Dr. Goldstein said this help must come in two ways: firstly, contributions to national funds to finance agricultural and economic absorption of mass migration to Israel; and, secondly, the enlistment of private capital and industrial skill of American businessmen.

Judge Morris Rothenberg, president of the Jewish National Fund of America, pointed out that the “establishment of the state of Israel does not mean that land for Jews will be furnished by the government. The state lands in Israel are insignificant,” he insisted, adding: The land must still be purchased. There are opportunities to acquire 125,000 acres immediately, but it will require at least $60,000,000.”

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