Because Israel is forced to spend the bulk of its dollar for defense, America, and world Jewry, will have to double its financial help to meet health, welfare and educational needs. So reported Edward Ginsberg, national general chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, and Henry L. Zucker, executive vice president of the Jewish Community Federation, before a television and press conference at Federation headquarters following their four day weekend Aug. 27-30 visit with Israel’s Premier Golda Meir, and other top officials. They were part of a group of American leaders called to Israel for an “on-the-spot appraisal of Israel’s critical needs.” Mr. Ginsberg said the Israelis see peace as a necessary condition for the development of their country, but appear skeptical about peace in the Middle East. “They are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst,” he said. He noted aid also goes to the Arabs as well as Israelis, pointing out that in such areas as the Arab section of Jerusalem such things as sewers, water and electricity is being made available, and he disclosed that the “Arab section of Jerusalem will be tied into the city’s main sewer line for the first time in history. Gaza is getting paved roads, electric lights and sanitation facilities,” Mr. Ginsberg and Mr. Zucker reported. Mr. Zucker added that such key construction items, as $50 million for hospitals, have been cancelled because Israel’s government does not have the funds, and “only help from overseas can maintain this type of work.” Mr. Ginsberg said that Israel’s needs may mean that American Jewry will probably be asked to raise $400 million in 1971, double this year’s amount.
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.
