Israel Mourns Death of David Remez; Tens of Thousands Participate in Funeral

Israel was today plunged into national mourning at the sudden death in Jerusalem of David Remez, life-long Zionist and one of the small group of pioneers who took a most active part in the establishment of the Jewish state. Flags flew at half-mast in every settlement, town and city and government offices and schools were closed in honor of the late Minister of Education, who died yesterday at the age of 64.

The remains of the late minister were borne thorough Jerusalem and thence to Zichron Yaacov, on Israel’s northwest coast, where he spent his first years in Israel, for burial besides the graves of his parents. The 100-car funeral procession moved through the streets of Jerusalem slowly as tens of thousands of men, women and schoolchildren lined the streets for a glimpse of the coffin. Police and Army detachments headed the long cortege and schoolchildren bearing Israeli flags were in the van.

The procession halted twice in Jerusalem–once before the Knesset building where Minister of Justice Pinchas Rosen eulogized Remez, on behalf of the members of the government and the Parliament; the second time was in front of Histadrut headquarters where Mordecai Namir, secretary-general of the labor federation, spoke of Remez’ contributions to the labor movement. Acting Premier Moshe Sharett, who issued a formal statement of tribute in behalf of the government, was one of the pall bearers, as were Joseph Sprinzak, Speaker of the Knesset and a number of other deputies.

Mr. Remez served as Minister of Communications in the first Israel Cabinet until October, 1950, when he assumed the education portfolio. Born in Coppees, Russia, he came to Palestine in 1913. A leader of the Mapai, Mr. Remez worked for many years in various agricultural settlements in Jewish Palestine. He was general secretary of the Histadrut and a member of the Jewish Agency.