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Israel Resolves InfIttion Difficulties
With Issuance of Savings Certificates

Direct JTA Teletype Wires
to The Jewish News

JERUSALEM — In a move to
control inflation in Israel the
government will shortly issue
savings certificates whose re-
payment will be guaranteed on
the basis of the present dollar
value of the Israel pound, Fin-
ance Minister Eliezer Kaplan .
announced in Parliament Mon-
day night. The announcement
was made when the Minister
presented his four-month bud-
get to Parliament.
The dollar-based certificates,
Mr. Kaplan revealed, will ma-
ture in eight years. Adults will
be restricted to ownership of 250
pounds, while children will be
allowed to own only 100 pounds.
It is thus hoped to siphon off
the. excess currency now in cir-
culation which is endangering
the stability of the Israel pound.
Minister Kaplan also reviewed
some of the accomplishments of
the government during 1950. He
disclosed that 28,000 permanent
dwelling units and 15,000 huts
had been built during the year,
that 1,800 new industrial estab-
lishments had been opened and
that 48 immigrant work villages
were now busily engaged in cul-
tivating land which had pre-
viously not been worked.
Will Establish National Bank
A draft bill providing for a
25,000,000 pound — about $70,-

000,000—savings bond issue with
a dollar-based stable value, was
discussed by the Israel Cabinet.
The 'Cabinet also approved the
draft of a bill for establishment
of a Postal Savings Bank and
set up a committee for the
foundation of an Israel National
Bank.
A Treasury report revealed
that currency in circulation has
again risen by 2,000,000 pounds,
reaching 79,883,000 pounds this
week as against 77,933,000
pounds last week.

Color Slides Ilustrate
Rare, Exotic Megillahs

A series of color slides repre-
senting beautiful and rare
Megillahs from the collections
of Charles Feinberg and Harvey
Goldman, have been completed
by Yehuda Golahny of the
United Hebrew Schools.
To acquaint the younger gen-
eration with a little known beau-
ty of our past, Charles Fein-
berg and Harvey Goldman
generously contributed to pre-
paring color slides of Jewish
ceremonial objects some of
which are over 300 years old.
Those interested in presenting
the above color slides in their
institutions should call United
Hebrew Schools, TO. 8-0063.

Purely Commentary

By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ

Reverence for Genius: B. G.'s Battles
With reference to Israel Premier David Ben-Gurion, it is not
enough to speak of the man with respect. It is necessary to gather
up a great amount of reverence for his self-accumulated scholar-
ship, his courage, his understanding of human nature, his ability
to grapple with many situations.
Recent events in Israel have demonstrated his genius. For
nearly three years he was in partnership with the Religious Bloc.
He had to fend off criticisms from the General Zionists whose
industrialists he appeased with numer-
ous concessions to encourage private
investments in the Jewish state. Among
his bitterest enemies are his partners in
Histadrut—the left-wing Mapam, whose
leaders did not hesitate to vote against
B. G. even on a religious education issue
in order to force him out of leadership.
In his recent addresses in the Israel
Knesset (Parliament), Premier Ben-
Gurion revealed knowledge of the Bible,
and he met his orthodox opponents on
equal ground. In an address to Israeli
women army officers, he made the corn-
ment that "man is created in the image
of God, but nobody can affirm that God
is masculine." Is this sacrilege? But
Ben-Gurion added that women have a David Ben-Gurion
special function in the army—to contribute a motherly touch to
the grim and manly atmosphere of military life. Said B. G. in
defense of his bill providing for military service for women:
"The Jews were among the first to recognize the equality
of women. In ancient times the Jews had four women prophets
and one, at least, commanded a Jewish army." To have women
in the army, he said, "represents the highest recognition men
can give women as equals." An example of women's ability to
command a military force: Mania Wilbushewitz inspired the
first group of Hashomer, the self-defense organization that was
created by the Jewish settlers in Palestine when the Holy Land
was under Turkish rule.
But Rabbi I. M. Levin, Agudas Israel leader who was one of
B. G.'s Cabinet members, warns that the religious group will defy
the proposed measure for the mobilization of women for com-
pulsory military service. He threatened that he would go to prison
in disobeyance of the law. But we doubt whether the young
women would wish to be branded as disobeyers.
The orthodox leaders implied that there is too much tempta-
tion for women in the army. B. G. some time ago had an answer
to that: Is a gun more conducive to immorality than a typewriter?
He denied, of course, that there is danger of immorality in the
army more than anywhere else, where women may be conscripted
for service to their country.
About B. G. whom we salute as a genius: in an address in the
Knesset he charged that the mere term "religious front" is "un-
Jewish." Perhaps he meant "non-Jewish." He may have meant
"anti-Jewish." If the question of equality for women is at stake,
in a broader sense than their rights to equal rank in the army,
then B. G. has a strong point. More than a generation ago, the
orthodox wing had warned that it would not favor the granting
of equal suffrage to women in a Jewish or a Zionist—now Israel—
community. This is defiance not of a Mapai wish but of an
established principle in humanitarian relations. That's why we
consider B. G.'s position strong, that of his opponents becoming
weaker from hour to hour. The orthodox youth themselves will,
we are confident, reject attempts to relegate them to a backward
position.
But B. G. has to fight all contenders for power and for
individualistic viewpoints. He asks for universal military training
for both sexes for the same reason as he will ask for prompt
subscription of $500,000,000 to the Israel bond issue by American
Jews—because Israel still is in danger of attack from the outside,
because Israel is economically in danger, because the young state
is suffering under pressure created by large influxes of immi-
grants. And B. G., having out-generaled Turkey and England
and even the Jewish and anti-Zionist opponents will, we are confi-
dent, out-general Mapam and the "religious front." Don't you
believe American Jewry will back him up in sentiment and with
financial aid—since it can not do so with ballots?

Akiva Govrin, Knesset Leader, Rabbi Adler,
Cantor Kusevitsky to Appear at Histadrut
Closing Rally at Music Hall on March 25

Akiva Govrin, chairman of
the Labor Relations Commission
of the Israel Parliament and
Histadrut leader, will be the
principal speaker at the city-
wide closing demonstration of
the 1951 Israel Histadrut cam-
paign on Sunday evening, March
25. at Music Hall.
Like most Histadrut leaders,
Govrin led a "double life," serv-
ing in the Haganah command
at night. On the eve of the
declaration of independence, he
was assigned the task of setting
up, behind the backs of the
British, the government appar-
atus that was to take over the
moment the state of Israel was
proclaimed.
Mr. Govrin was elected to the
first Knesset and named chair-
man of its Labor Relations Com-
mission. During the first cab-
inet crisis, he conducted nego-.
tiations which successfully re-
paired the breach in the coali-
tion. As a member of the execu-
tive committee of Mapai, the
labor party, he is one of the
younger group of labor leaders
assuming increased responsibili-
ties in affairs of state.
Moshe Kusevitsky, consid-
ered the world's greatest can-
tor, will feature the musical-
program at the closing cele-
bration. Rabbi Morris Adler,
of Congregation Shaarey Ze-
dek, also will address the rally.
Admission tickets have been
distributed to campaign work-
ers and representatives of affil-

Articles Repudiated
By Ford Reprinted in
Canadian Periodical

TORONTO, (JTA)—Anti-Sem-
itic articles published in the
"Dearborn Independent" in 1927
are now being reprinted by the
publication, "Social Credit," and
offered in pamphlet form to
readers of the paper.
Although the articles were
publicly repudiated by the late
Henry Ford, who supported the
"Dearborn Independent", a col-
umnist in the paper, , urging
readers to buy the pamphlet,
says in the current issue:
- "Ford's apology was abject,
but neither then nor since did
he deny the truth of the ar-
ticles."
Elsewhere in the issue is an
attack on W. Averill Harriman,
White House adviser, who is
described as "Red Herring
Harry" and is said to be "ob-
viously under Zionist pressure.
Other anti-Jewish articles in the
publication denounce "Zionists"
for promoting fair employment
practices legislation.

Wayne U. Fraternity
Host to Regional Meet

Wayne University's Mu Kappa
Chapter, of Sigma Alpha Mu
fraternity, will be host this
weekend to a bi-regional con-
clave, at which delegates from
12 midwest universities will be
present. The visitors will join
the host chapter in celebrating
the founding of the Wayne Uni-
versity Chapter on March 15,
1929. -
After a get-acquainted stag
Friday night at the Fort Wayne
Hotel, delegates will hold busi-
ness meetings at the Univer-
sity's Student Center, on Satur-
day. Ed Blumberg, Wayne chap-
ter president, will preside. Tours
of the campus and city have
been arranged.
A semi-formal dinner-dance
will be held Saturday evening
at the Hotel Port Shelby
which will be attended by near=
ly 150 couples. Music will be
furnished by Eddie Martin and
his band. A cake honoring the
Chapter's 22nd anniversary will
be cut at midnight.
Chairman of the conclave is
Arthur Weinfeld, assisted by
Ralph Lipshaw, Harold Portnoy
and Dee Weiswasser. Secretary
is Sheridan Holtzman.

2 — THE JEWISH NEWS

Friday, March 16, 1951

iated organizations. They also
may be obtained at the Hista-
drut office, 13722 Linwood.
With the campaign entering

AKIVA GOVRIN

its final weeks, reports of
branches of the labor Zionist
movement indicate intensified
canvassing and mop-up efforts
to reach and surpass last year's
quotas. LZOA branches 10, 6, 3
and 4 show the highest number
of coverage, with amounts
raised equal or beyond last
year's campaign. The Pioneer
Women's Organization, under
the leadership of Anna Michlin,
is over the top with 104%.
The Trades and Professions
Council, under the leadership of
Sidney Shevitz and I. Pokemp-
ner, during the current cam-
paign displayed commendable
work in all divisions. The fur-

niture division is 130% above
last year's amount. The scrap
metals division, due mainly to
J. L. Wolock's tireless efforts,
attained 102% and the commun-
al workers division, newly acti-
vated this year, obtained 40 new..
contributors among community
workers and reached 127%. Dr.
Saul C. Stein, chairman of the
professional division, reported
90% with remaining prospects
assuring a successful completion
of the campaign among profes-
sionals. Arlazaroff Branch 137
again is leading the country with
$71,520 obtained so far.
At a. final pre-closing gather- rI
ing of campaign worker's next
Thursday evening at the Labor
Zionist Institute, campaign
leaders and Histadrut chairmen
of various organizations will re-
view achievements of the cur-
rent campaign and report last-
minute solicitations of campaign
workers. Refreshments will be
served.
Morris Lieberman, campaign
chairman, paid tribute at last
week's rally to the following
compaign workers for their ex-
emplary work in behalf of His-
tadrut: William Schumer, M.
Zarankin, M. Glass, S. Kane, M.
Baker, Max Lieberman, J. Gla-
zer, Berl Hearshen, Meyer Chas-
nick, Phil Goldstein, D. Mondry,
S. Goldberg, Mrs. J. Malamud
and Mrs. M. Huppert.
Landsmanschaften which re-
ported treasury contributions
last week are: . Jewish Metro-
politan Club, Hebrew Benevolent
Society, Women's Golden Rule,
Congregation Beth Yehudah,
Hebrew Benevolent Society La-
dies Auxiliary and others.

Between You and Me

By BORIS SMOLAR

(Copyright, 1951, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Inc.)

Washington Trends:
Washington is watching with interest--and with apparent ;
approval—the British moves to consolidate the defense of the
Middle East against possible Soviet aggression . . . Israel is des-
tined to play no small role in this plan . . Units of Common-`,1 1
wealth troops from India, Australia and New Zealand may soon
be sent to the Middle East in token strength, to be followed later
by effective contingents ... British troops in the Suez area have
been increased to their highest strength since the evacuation of
British armed forces from Palestine . . This, despite Egyptian
pressure for the removal of such troops from the Suez zone .
A plan to station British troops in the Israeli Negev, between 1
Gaza and Eilath, is also under discussion .. . However, this plan
is encountering widespread opposition in Israel .. . . Not only do
the Herut and Mapam oppose it, but also other groups ... These
opponents consider the stationing of British troops on Israeli soil
abrogation of Israel's sovereignty and too close a return to Man-
datory conditions.
*
Community Currents:
It is estimated that American Jews contributed last year about
$200,000,000° to Jewish charity . The Jewish Federations and
Welfare Funds have provided 66 agencies with about $120,000,000
• . Three-quarters of this sum went to the United Jewish Appeal,
but a dozen other Israeli agencies were also among the recipients.
• . . There were also other overseas agencies, not to speak of
domestic health and welfare agencies, religious institutions, edu-
cational institutions and community relations agencies.
The Zionist Organization of America is in a dilemma . . .
should it hold its annual convention this year before or after the i,
World Zionist Congress? . . . Usually the ZOA convention takes
place in the summer . . . This year, ZOA leaders are inclined to
hold the convention in autumn, in anticipation that the World
Zionist Congress will take place in July . . . But will there be a
Zionist Congress in July? . . . Many American Zionists doubt it...
The date of the Congress has been postponed several times, and
only last week it was announced that the Congress will finally
take place at the end of Juuly . . . However, all indications point
to the fact that this may not be the last postponement.
*
*
*
Israeli Moods:
Should women be drafted into Israel's armed services or its .
auxiliaries? . .. A local Gallup Poll on this issue—now a subject
of sharp controversy between Premier Ben-Gurion and the Ortho-
dox Bloc—produced interesting results . . . More than 2,000 men
and women over 18, from all walks of life, were chosen system-
atically from the lists of the 1948 census and interviewed at their
homes . . . The answers show that 52 percent of the population
favor women serving in Israel's peace time army, while 48 percent
are opposed ... This is a large proportion compared to that found
in a survey of American soldiers during World War II . . . Only 25
percent of the U.S. Army favored the drafting of women . . . An-
other poll in Israel sought to establish public sentiment on the
question of whether women should vote or occupy important posi-
tions in the government • .. The results of the poll showed that
92 percent of the population believe that women should have the
same opportunities as men, while eight percent opposed equal
rights for women .. . The opponents are religious elements who
claim that according to the Torah the woman's place is in the
home . . . Members of the collective settlements are entirely in
favor of equal rights for woment _yet 19 percent of them oppose
drafting women into the armed services.