The first Israel Exposition, a comprehensive collection of hundreds of ” made in Israel” products, was formally opened here today by Mrs. Abba Eban, wife of the Israel Ambassador to the United States, at colorful ceremonies at the Exposition’s showrooms in Rockefeller Plaza. Sponsored by the Israel bond drive, the Exposition will remain in New York for several months before proceeding on a nationwide tour.
Among the thousands who viewed the opening-day ceremonies was Mrs. Vincent R. Impellitteri, wife of the Mayor. Mrs. Eban presented the Mayor’s wife with an Israeli-made evening dress on behalf of the people of Israel, “for Mrs. Impellitteri’s graciousness and charm during her visit last year to Israel.” Benjamin Abrams, chairman of the Greater New York Committee for State of Israel Bonds, presided at the ceremonies.
Israel Ambassador Abba Eban said in a message that was read at the opening of the Exposition that the exhibit “gives dramatic testimony to the tremendous strides Israel has made in its economic progress in the four years of its existence. “Ambassador Eban, who was prevented from attending by official business, added: “It further demonstrates that investment capital provided through the through the State of Israel Bond Issue can achieve a rate of development and a tempo of expansion which will enable Israel to achieve its goal of economic independence within a few short years.”
The material for the Exposition was transported to this country from Israel in 200 crates by the El Al Israel Airlines over a period of five weeks. The Exposition is dedicated to Eliezer Kaplan, Israel Minister of Finance for four years and “father” of the State of Israel Bond Issue, who died in Genoa last Sunday.
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.