Ben Gurion Expresses Concern That Future Jewish Nature of Israel May Be in Jeopardy

Former Premier David Ben Gurion expressed concern today over the future Jewish character of the State of Israel. Lecturing at Tel Aviv University he warned that “unless we do more to encourage immigration and ensure that Jews do the work in this land, the Jewish nature of the state is in danger.” He said a point might be reached in 20 years when Arabs constituted a majority of the population and did most of the work. Mr. Ben Gurion said he favored returning all of the occupied Arab territories, except East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, in return for “a real peace.” “Unfortunately,” he said, “I do not see peace in the near future.”