Tireless Israeli citizens of all ages, unwearied by a night of street dancing and other celebrations, today continued their festive observance of the first anniversary of the birth of the Jewish state. There was no slackening in the almost feverish enthusiasm of the crowds, celebrating not only here but in all parts of the country.
One of the most colorful demonstrations today was a parade of schoolchildren to Hakirya, the capital Just outside” the city, where they heard Zalman Shazar, Minister of Education, pay a tribute to the Israeli war dead.
Special thanksgiving services in the Great Synagogue here were attended, among others, by Premier David Ben Gurion and Josef Sprinzak, Speaker of the Knesset. The Premier received a number of diplomats, including James G. McDonald, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, who called to pay their respects on Israel’s first birthday.
The Premier was scheduled to give a garden party this evening for nearly 2,000 notables. Last night, Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett was host to the foreign diplomatic corps at a reception at the New Sharon Hotel.
In a nation-wide broadcast last night, ushering in the 24-hour celebration, Ben Gurion told his people that threats to the security and existence of their state had not been removed and that for years to come they will have to exercise unceasing vigilance. Speaking of Israel’s desire for a stable and honorable peace, the Premier declared that his government would spare no effort to achieve it. He renewed his promise that Israel will guarantee full equality of rights for minorities within its borders.
Warning that immigration cannot take place on a firm basis unless new sources of employment were opened, Ben Gurion stressed the need for immense capital investment Israel from abroad. Pointing out that the high cost of living must be lowered as an inducement for capital investment, the Premier pledged that his government would not reduce the cost of living by lowering the living standard.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
