Israel’s desire and efforts for peace with her Arab neighbors were stressed here today by Joseph Saphir, Israel’s Minister of Communication, at a reception tendered in his honor by the World Confederation of General Zionists. However, he also declared that Israel would fight for her independence.
“The first signs of the lifting of the fog on the traditional friendly relations between the United States and Israel are very encouraging,” the Minister said. “The historical affinity and affiliation between World Jewry and Israel is not to be questioned and will continue to be the cementing link and supporting pillar of Jewish brotherhood.”
Mr. Saphir emphasized that the present coalition government, based on the major parties in Israel, had, in its first few months, proved its contribution to the stability of the government and the administration, in contrast to the troubled conditions prevailing in the Arab countries of the Middle East.
“The participation of the General Zionist Party in the conduct of Government affairs has already had a very beneficial effect on the legislation and implementation of unified education, the liberalization of Israel’s economic policies, the stabilization of prices and state budget, the encouragement of private enterprise and the reestablishment of fair competition to its important role of economic regulator,” he said.
Dr. Israel Goldstein, president of the World Confederation of General Zionists, in a speech welcoming Mr. Saphir, criticized the remarks with regard to Israel made by Henry A. Byroade, Assistant Secretary of State, in his recent addresses in Dayton and Philadelphia.
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.
