David Ben-Gurion Acclaimed by Entire State

Expresses Faith in Jewry's
Readiness to Assist Israel

Continued from Page 1
These comments were made after it was announced that
Detroit's sales already exceed the $2,000,000 mark. "I am not dis-
appointed in Detroit," B-G said. "I am sure you will do even more."
He concluded with a "LeHitraot"—with a welcome to Detroit Jews
to come to Israel.
His address to the impressive gathering of representatives
from a number of communities, in addition to the Detroiters, was
a brilliant analysis of Israel's triumphs and difficulties. He said
that his short stay in this country has convinced him that Jews
everywhere are aware of the historic importance of Israel's inde-
pendence but admonished his audience that "independence is not
a one-time act." He declared that it is "an historic process" which
must be built up from day to day. "Unless you have the will to
build, the one historic act may remain a glorious but past event."
Revealing a thorough knowledge of American history, B-G re-
minded the gathering that this country's independence was not
achieved in 1776, that more wars had to be fought, that the Amer-
ican people had to build this land for generations.
The Prime Minister declared that a special danger threatens
Israel; that Arabs still refuse to make peace with Israel and the
Jewish state must remain on the alert; that "without the readi-
ness and ability to defend ourselves our independence will not be
achieved because it will not be secured."

"What happened at the UN is a reminder that we have to
fight many battles on political arenas, even with our friends,"
he declared. But he asserted that no Jew need be - ashamed of
the people's appearance on the international scene, since: "In the
society of nations it is not only numbers that count but also
moral strength. We are there—at the UN. Our voice is listened
to with respect even by the mightiest."
Mr. Ben-Gurion reviewed at considerable length the economic
position of Israel. He showed how the young state was taxed by
the influx of immigrants and declared that the ingathering of

600,000 during the first three years of statehood must be matched
by the acceptance of another 600,000—perhaps even more—in the
next three years.
"Our main purposes are to bring in Jews who have no homes
and to revive our ancient land," he asserted. "To these purposes

our state .is consecrated."
He pointed to the similarity of Israel and the United States,
showed how this country was built by petiple from all countries,
speaking different languages, and declared that the wealth ex-
isted here before these people came. He applied this also to
Israel and stated emphatically that a land is built by its people.
The difference, he said, is that this country could afford to wait
for generations "but we, in Israel, must do it in a very short
time. We can not wait."
Had the Jewish state been established in 1937, in accordance
with the proposal of the British Royal Commission, "I am sure
the great calamity would not have happened and the 6,000,000
martyrs would have been alive and would be today among the
builders and defenders of Israel," he declared.

Many people, he said, considered the policy of unlimited im-
migration destructive. He admitted there are good reasons for
such a belief, that the burdens imposed on Israel are great, that
there are no homes, no food, yet the Israelis assume all burdens
in behalf of the great effort to rescue the oppressed. In spite of
the difficulties, hundreds of new villages were created in the past
three years—as many as in the entire '70 years of building prior
to the establishment of the state of Israel.
"We are carrying on the work because we have faith and
confidence, because we have partners in this great United States,"
the Prime Minister said. "We decided to come to you, to tell you
the whole story, what has been done, what must Ile done. We can
not carry the burden alone. We came to tell you that those who
are coming to us are a productive element. Given the means they
will become self-supporting. While we can not compare with you,
it was not size or wealth that made your country great. It was
the people who came here who made this country great, and we
possess the same qualities, we have the same pioneering spirit, we
have the same masses of immigrants who will become produc-
tive. And we have the same inventive genius. Jews who came from
misery into a new life of dignity and freedom will, we believe,
become not only politically but also economically independent—
it you will join with us and help us, as I hope you will."
- Max Osnos, chairman of the Detroit bond drive, presided at
the dinner meeting. Rabbi Morris Adler gave the blessing in
Hebrew. Mrs. Morris Schaver led in the singing of "America" and
"Hatikvah."
Mr. Osnos described the importance of the bond drive and
expressed confidence that it will prove Detroit Jewry's greatest
effort in Israel's support.
Mr. Rothberg, complimenting Detroit Jewry for its record in
philanthropic movements, pointed out to the Prime Minister that
they were conducted under the able direction of Mr. Sobeloff. He
added that "under the chairmanship of Mr. Kasle Detroit probably
will outstrip all other Jewish communities in the United States in
the UJA drive and also will be the backbone in the bond drive."
He added: "You are asked to lend money, not to give it. I am a
hard business man. I have invested more than $500,000 in Israel
bond purchases because behind the bond drive is the stature of
people the Premier represents—and that is good enough for my
money."
Louis Berry and Joseph Holtzman conducted the bond sale at
the dinner. Brief remarks were delivered by Abe Kasle, who, with
his brothers in Toledo and Flint, purchased the largest amount
of bonds in Michigan. The announcement for the Kasle brothers
was made by Sam Kasle of Toledo. Israel Davidson, honorary
chairman of the drive, and Morris Schaver also made brief an-
nouncements.

William Hordes made the interesting announcement that he
had made an initial sale of $10,000 of bonds to the Columbus
Mutual Life Insurance Co. and that he was going to Columbus
this week to try to boost the amount. H. Cohen announced
another purchase by a non-Jew—a $5,000 bond bought by Warren
Brenner of Admiral TV distributors.

Philip Stoliman, chairman of the religious gr.:ups' drive, said
his group sold $500,000 bonds, received half in cash.
Louis Kasle, representing Flint, announced that his community
already pledged $125,000. David Friedland represented Lansing.
Osias Zwerdling spoke for the Ann Arbor community and Louis
Hepner for Kalamazoo. There were representatives from Pontiac,
Bay City and other communities.
Rabbi Philip Bernstein, president of the Central Conference of
American Rabbis, announced in a brief address that the Reform
Rabbis' organization purchased $5,000 bonds

Welcomed at Airport and at City Hall

The chapter that was written in Detroit"s
Jewish history during the past week-end has
engraved impressions which will be recalled by
our people for many years to come. The children
who shook his hand, the aged who made the
"shehechayanu" upon seeing the Israel Prime
Minister, the men and women who worked for a
generation to help build Israel—all were deeply
moved. Many cried for joy. It was a great week-
end.

(For more details, see Danny Raskin's Listening Post on
Page 21.)
(For facts regarding Ben-Gurion's linguistic abilities, read
Ben-Gurion's column on Page 2.)

It began on Sunday evening, when many
scores of cars, some decorated with American
and Israel colors, went to the Willow Run airport
to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Ben-Gurion. More
than 500 people were on the airfield. The 10th
Air Force Band was brought in two planes from
Selfridge Field to participate in the festivities.
It played several selections; and the national
anthems, and the renditions of the Star
Spangled Banner and Hatikvah brought a hush
and there was a stirring of the hearts.

Max Osnos greeted the Ben-Gurions upon
their arrival. He was joined in the welcoming
party by Israel Davidson, honorary chairman
of the local bond drive.

Ben-Gurion Greets Detroit

In his brief response, Mr. Ben-Gurion empha-
sized the message of human liberty that goes
forth from Israel to her big brother—the United
States. He greeted Detroit as symbolizing "the
great productive power of your country."
The storm that broke out almost as soon as
the Prime Minister entered the special car at the
airport on Sunday spoiled a great party. Never-
theless, as the cavalcade motored along the pre-
arranged route, there were thousands of people
in the streets, under store shelters, in front of
public buildings, to greet the distinguished guest.

For hours, the Dexter area was jammed
with cars seeking parking space. Hundreds of
cars remained to toot their horns upon Mr.
Ben-Gurion's arrival, accompanied by a
motorcycle police squad. There were hundreds
at the Davison Center, Bnai Moshe and

Shaarey Zedek, but the cars could not stop
because of the jammed traffic and the heavy

rain.

3,000 at City Hall

The elements were with Detroit Jewry on
Monday. About 3,000 jammed the space in front
of the City Hall to acclaim the heroic Israel
Premier. They cheered and sang songs. Many
old people were in the audience. There were
tears of joy. On all sides there were utterances
such as:.
"That I should have lived to see this .day
• • •
Yeshiva children were assembled in front of
the specially-erected stand. They sang songs
and waved flags. Israelis veterans and the Jew-
ish War Veterans unfurled flags.
The Fire Department Band played selections,
the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah. It was
deeply moving—two non-Jewish bands, on two
successive days, playing the Israel anthem as the
Israel flags waved proudly along side the Amer-
ican. flag.
There were two Color guards — but nearly
every person there felt like a part of a large
Color guard in that magnificent assembly.

Prime Minister and Mrs. Ben-Gurion came
to the City Hall after a tour of the Kaiser-
Frazer plant. Selden B. Daume, chairman of
the Detroit 250th Anniversary Committee, pre-
sided at the ceremonies and presented the
guest with a Medallion as a remembrance of
his visit here and of the approaching Detroit
anniversary observance.
Mayor Albert Cobo greeted "the baby among

the nations—the state of Israel," and commend-
ed the Jewish pioneers on the progress they have
made "more rapidly even than our own country."
Greeting Mr. Ben-Gurion in behalf of all De-
troiters, he expressed the hope that his mission
—the Israel bond issue— will meet with success.
He extended an invitation to Israel to send rep-
resentatives here to participate in the Detroit
250th anniversary celebration in July.

Williams Welcomes Ben-Gurion

Governor G. Mennen Williams welcomed the
"great and glorious man, that sterling character,
Ben-Gurion."

"We in America," he declared, "have the
greatest feeling of kinship for the youngest,
yet oldest of states, Israel, democratic
beechhead in the concert of nations. Free-
dom, justice and democracy are the watch-
words of Israel, just as they are our watch-
words."

He added that Detroiters have an additional
feeling of kinship with Israel because of the
establishment of auto plants in Haifa.
"Some day," the Governor said, "there will be
two Detroits in the world."

He should, he said, greet the guest with a
"Sholem Aleichem," but not being a classicist
he merely said to the Ben-Gurions, "Zoll zein
mit glick." For which he received a hearty
handshake from B-G,

Mr. Daume referred to the resolution adopted
by the City Council welcoming the Ben-Gurions
f Detroit, setting Monday as Ben-Gurion Day
and the entire week as Israel Bond Week. Gov-
ernor Williams earlier proclaimed May as Israel
Bond Month.

24—THE JEWISH NEWS—Friday, May 25, 1951

Ben-Gurion Praises U.S. Know-How

Expressing thanks to Detroit for the hearty
welcome, Mr. Ben-Gurion said he knows that the
homage paid him is intended for the people he
represents. He said he was happy to be in Mich-
igan because:

"This city more than any other displays
the American genius, the know-how, the en-
gineering skill, and thereby establishes higher
standards of living for the entire world." He
added: "I am not ashamed to confess that we
are eager to learn from you."
"You have given to the world the best ex-
ample of democratic liberty," B-G said. "We
are behind you in industrial development, but
not in democratic idealism and human activ-
ity and we are related in our endeavors to
advance both, because this is the great heritage
of our people. Remember that we exist not as
a result of the birth but rather of the rebirth
of Israel.
"It was said in our Great Book that man is
created in the image of God. Therefore all
men are created equal.
"Thus, we are related. It may take us a
long time, but we also will learn your know-
how. We stand together in the common union
of liberty. These two flags—ours, the younger,
and yours—are tied together in their love and
devotion to the cause of human dignity.
"In behalf of my people, our pioneers, the
masses of our immigrants who are building a
haven for the oppressed, I bring hearty greet-
ings to you on Detroit's 250th anniversary,
Shalom! Peace!"

(The entire proceedings at the City Hall were rebroadcast
by transcription by Station WJR at 11:30 p. m. Monday.)

Prime Minister Tells Aims

At the press conference at Hotel Statler on
Sunday evening, less than two hours after his
arrival in Detroit, the Israel Prime Minister im-
mediately won the hearts of newspapermen with
his frank and clear-cut statements.
At the outset, he asserted that with the funds
to be invested through the sale of Israel bonds
it is planned immediately to construct 60,000
new homes in Israel, to acquire new agricultural
machinery, to provide additional means of em-
ployment for the large number of immigrants
through the establishment of new industries, to
build many new roads and public works.
"We asked him, also, whether he was
pleased with the results to-date of the bond

sales, and on this point, his frankness revealech
his anxiety. "The results so far are satisfac-
tory," he said. "I shall be pleased when the
entire amount of $500,000,000 will be subscribed
in cash."

He would not comment on the Syrian-Israel
conflict and stated that his position on that
issue will be clarified upon his return to Israel,
He asserted that Israel is not affected by the
situation in Iran, whose problems affect the
peace of the entire world.
He was asked: Is there oil in Israel? He re-
plied that he believes so and that time will tell
the extent of such wealth, The Haifa oil refin-
cries are working, he said,

Haifa Industrial Center

Mr. Ben-Gurion said that American industries
are being emulated in Israel, that Kaiser-Frazer
already has a "child" in Haifa where it is produc-
ing cars, and that there is a big shoe factory
in Jerusalem.

He emphasized that the proceeds from the
sale of bonds will be used only for the coun-
try's economic development and not for mili-
tary purposes, but added that "economic de-
velopment has a bearing on security."

He stated that Haifa is the great industrial
center in Israel's north and Elath is the indus-
trial center in the south.

He expressed the hope that Arab troubles
will come to an end. Asked if these troubles
"ever" will end, he emphasized that it is not a
question of "ever" but that it is a "certainty,"
that the difficulties will end when the Arab
countries will be democratized and their peo-
ple will have their say.

The major industries in Israel, he said, are
citrus fruits', textiles, pharmaceutical articles,
diamonds and the tourist trade.
Israel, he said, is not hampered by the Arabs
because she does not need the Suez Canal and
has two sea outlets—the Mediterranean and the
Red Sea.
Of additional interest
at the press conference
was his refusal to pre-
dict the outcome of the
July 30 elections. He
said:

"I have two princi-
ples : not to enter into
the internal politics ei-
ther of t h e United
States or of Israel."

He stated that the
Huleh area is Jewish-
owned, 'that Israel has
agreed to partial de-
militarization, but would.
not comment further on
that question.
Harry Zinder
Mr. Ben-Gurion was introduced at the press
conference by Harry Zinder, Israel press attache
who is well known to Detroiters, having address-
ed several meetings here.

(Additional Reports on Ben-Gtrrion Visit Here
on Page 2)