Crowds Honor President in Tel Aviv; “weizmann Prizes” Awarded to Israeli Scientists

“Weizmann Day” celebrations reached their climax last night with a festive reception in honor of the Israeli President at Habimah Hall are following an all-day welcome in which children lined the 12-mile highway from Dr. Weizmann’s home in Rehovoth to Tel Aviv, waving and cheering as he passed on his first visit to Tel Aviv since his election last month.

Tens of thousands of people crowded the streets leading to Habimah Hall. Others lined rooftops and balconies of flag-decked houses. The reception was attended by the entire diplomatic corps, members of the newly-elected Israeli parliament, members of the Tel Aviv municipal council, the Chief Rabbis and other distinguished guests.

Three prizes in honor of President Weizmann were announced at the reception by Mayor Israel Rokach. The prizes, established by the Tel Aviv municipality to encourage scientific work, will be awarded annually and will be known as “Weizmann ##wards.” Last night they were granted to Prof. Shaul Adler for bio work in the field of combating malaria and healing leprosy, to Prof. M, Ollendorf of the Haifa Technical Institute for his achievements in chemistry and bio-chemistry, and to Dr. M. Rosenfeld of the Weizmann Institute for his efforts in the field of vision.Replying to greetings, President Weizmann said that Israel, the world’s youngest state, will have to develop and grow through science. It is not sufficient for Israel to be a free people in its own state, he said, adding that science will have to be taught “to all our people,” especially to the younger generation. Israel must develop scientific institutions, he insisted.

“We must serve as an example to all peoples of the Middle East. Our young state can be a source of renaissance and regeneration for this entire region. We must let our neighboring countries know that we have not returned as enemies,” Dr. Weizmann said.