More than 20,000 people filled Madison Square Garden tonight for the first performance of the annual Chanukah Festival for Israel Bonds. The festival celebrated the 75th birthday of Edward G. Robinson, the actor, who appeared on the program. A message of greeting from Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, read to the gathering praised Mr. Robinson for his participation in the bond drive for more than 15 years. In his message, Mr. Eshkol said: “We in Israel are certain that with the continued support and participation of Jews everywhere, our small nation shall be a beacon of freedom and hope in a troubled world.” The festival will be repeated Jan. 1.
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
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.