Golda Meir Memorial-square

The plaza between 39th and 40th Streets on Broadway in midtown Manhattan was officially declared today by Mayor Edward Koch as Golda Meir Memorial Square. The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by the late Israeli Premier’s family members, including Clara Stein, Mrs. Meir’s sister, Israeli and American officials, Jewish and non-Jewish-communal leaders and some 200 guests. This is the first American memorial to Mrs. Meir, and it marks the first anniversary at her death.

Jack Weiler, chairman of the Golda Meir Memorial Committee, a project of the Jewish, Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC), announced that the area will be land-scoped and will feature a bust of Mrs. Meir which is being prepared by a group of outstanding sculptors. “This project, undertaken by the JCRC together with the city of New York, reflects the high esteem in which Mrs. Meir was held by people of all religious and ethnic groups,” Weiler said.

Koch, paying tribute to Mrs. Meir’s states-manship and principles, declared that the memorial is a “permanent memorial to Golda” and “this spot (39th St. and Broadway) will be known for ever and ever as Golda Meir Square.”

Paul Kedar, Israel’s Consul General in New York, also paid tribute to the late Premier and read a special message of greeting from Ephraim Evron, Israel’s Ambassador to Washington. The ceremony opened with singing by the New York Cantors Ensemble. Cantor Joseph Malovany of the Fifth Avenue Synagogue recited the El Mole Rachamim. The ceremony was chaired by JCRC president Richard Ravitch.

Weiler, an honorary president of the JCRC and past president of the Joint Distribution Committee, expressed appreciation to the Mayor, Councilman Henry Stern who introduced the necessary legislation, and the entire City Council which unanimously approved the bill. He added that the location, the former site at the Metropolitan Opera House, would become a gathering place on suitable occasions.