Benjamin Wilk, Leon Kay to Address
ZOD Election Meeting Tuesday Night

A. C. Lappin, president, an- addressed by Benjamin Wilk,
nounced that the annual meet- president of the American
ing of the Zionist Organization Technion Society; who has just
returned from an extensive tour
of Israel, and Leon Kay, who
has just returned from the New
York national executive com- ‘
mittee meeting of the Zionist
Organization of America.
Following reports of commit-
tees, new officers and members
of the board of directors will be
Kay
Wilk
of Detroit to be held June 9, elected. The meeting is open to
8:30 p.m., at the Zionist House, all ZOD members, their families
Linwood at • Lawrence, will be and friends.

Purely. Commentary

By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ

Red Flag Versus Communist Symbol: An Israel Conflict

Students of social movements and those who are properly
acquainted with socialist practices in . .European countries are less
affected by the "flag issue" in Israel than those who, disturbed
by the critical dangers emanating from Iron Curtain countries,
are worried over any symbol that may be linked to the Kremlin,
whose flag is red.
The Commentator recalls a visit, in Givat Brenner, in Israel,
on an occasion when the red' flag was displayed, side by side with
flags of other nations and with Israel's emblem. Commentator
and Wife were disturbed: how come? the red flag in Israel? But
cool-headed explanations were logical: the red flag was not dis-
played in that famous settlement as a Communist emblem. It did
not have the hammer and sickle. It was the traditional flag of
the socialists. And this added explanation was offered : go to any
Scandinavian country, where socialism is active, and, on, May 1,
or on any occasion marking a labor demonstration, you will see
the red flag. This is the situation in Israel: the red flag does not
always denote Communist sentiment. While there are pro-Com-
munist and Communist elements in the young country, those who
display the red flag may well be mild socialists who are adhering
to an old practice—a practice which, in Russia, was anti-Czarist;
in Sweden, pro-labor; in other lands, motivated by cravings for
social justice.
*
*

Lavon's Explanation : Traditions of Labor Movement

In New York, last week, Pinhas Lavon, Minister without port-
folio in the Israel Cabinet, offered an interesting explanation of
the "red flag episode." Referring to the "decision of the Central
Committee of the Labor Party -relating to one particular regulst-
tion of the projected education law," Mr.
Lavon, restating "the position of the Labor
Party of whose nine representatives in the
present Cabinet I am one, and we are the
majority of the General Federation of
labor in Israel—the Histadrut," pointed to
these developments:
Histadrut has joined the International
Confederation of Free Trade Unions—that
"great association . . . which stands for
freedom and democracy and against Com-
munist regimentation." Histadrut, he said,
will be represented at the international
gathering in Stockholm, July 5. He pro-
ceeded:

"My party has decided that Commun-
Lavon ists shall be excluded from office in the
Histadrut. Our party and, under its direction, our labor move-
ment as a whole, stand for the ideals of free democratic labor,
It has rejected Communism throughout its history. Our con-
sistent record of active anti-Communism is such that there is
no need for us to draw special attention to this fact which no
misrepresentation can change."

He then outlined his party's viewpoint which may throw much
light on latest occurrences, thus:

"The specific issue which has led to resignations from
the government is part of the wider problem of the reorganiza-
tion of our educational system. All parties in the government
reached agreement on the creation of a public education system
with a standard curriculum. In conformity with the democratic
traditions of our people we agreed that we would allow schools,
in accordance with the wishes of parents, to add to that stand-
ard curriculum in an agreed manner and under public super-
vision. Up till now there have existed separate labor schools.
We agreed to put them into the public school system, but we
asked that the rights accorded to all parents should not be
withheld from members of the labor movement. The central
committee of my party accordingly requested that where parents
require it, our traditional Labor Day, the first of May, should
be celebrated in the way in which democratic labor movements
have always celebrated it, as an occasion for the elevation of
the dignity of- free human labor. We do not want to impose
that on anyone who does not wish it, but we ask that those who
do wish it should be allowed to have it. Part of that tradition,
which is no new thing with us, is the use of the Labor Flag and
the singing of the Labor Hymn. These are the traditions which
our labor movement shares in common with the democratic
labor movements of Western Europe, with which we have always
been closely associated. The report that the Labor Flag which
we use contains the Communist symbols of the hammer and
sickle, is false. We have never used the Communist symbols
which to us stand for a movement which has always fought
against our national aspirations and our work in Israel.
"We are confident that the people of Israel, who in the most
difficult circumstances have founded their state upon the basis
of freedom and democracy, will never swerve from these prin-
ciples, and will riways fulfill the obligations which they impose.
Whatever differences of opinion on isolated issues may exist be-
tween ourselves and other parties, and no matter how strongly
we may feel about these differences, the overwhelming majority
of the people of Israel are and always will be united in determin-
ation to preserve their democracy and protect the conditions of
human freedom as they are generally understood in all free
countries."

.

$200,000 Secured for Israel Bonds
At Dinner Addressed by Abba Eban.

stantly pleads for friendship,"
Mr. Eban charged that "the
Arabs have been the authors
of Israel's military strength."

Also See Stories on Pages 1, 5, 7

New bond purchases and paT,-
ments on bond commitments,
reported Monday night at the
Israel bond dinner at the Stat-
ler, at which Abba Eban, Israel's
Ambassador to the United
States, was the principal speak-
er, totalled $200,000.
RepresentatiVes of leading or-
ganizations and congregations
were seated at two elevated
tiers. In •the audience were
many prominent leaders who
joined the forces that are en-
gaged in the effort to lift Israel
out of its economic difficulties
by means of investments.

Abe Kasle, who presided,
spoke of the bond drive as "a
noble and sacred assignment."
Judge Theodore Levin, presi-
dent of the United Jewish
Charities and vice-president of
of the Jewish Welfare Federa-
tion, greeting the distin-
guished 'guest, reaffirmed the
view that American Jews
share in the responsibility of
strengthening the newl y-
created state of Israel and
called for the continuation of •
labors in Israel's behalf.

Showing undisguised concem
over the Arab boycott and
blockade. Mr. Eban said without
access for his country's products
in the neighboring lands Israel
has been compelled to find mar-
kets in the western hemisphere,
and in Scandinavian countries.
On the question of world
Jewry's support for Israel, the
Ambassador said he "followed
with disquiet Jewry's inability to
fulfill certain obligations." He
quoted figures—the $335,000,000
Israel will receive through 195 .i
from U. S. grants and from the
Export-Import Bank—as exceed-
ing the amount given by Jews
as gifts and he warned that "it
is not a matter of honor" that
Israel should have to turn to
other governments and sources
for help.

"Our generous gifts must be
combined with investments "
Judge Levin said. "There is a
common partnership of Jews
everywhere in the gifts we give
for Israel. By means of loans,
grants and investments, through
all our efforts, we will help
bring Israel to a greater and
better day."
Mr, Eban expressed the hope,
at the outset, that Jews will net
become so preoccupied with
work for Israel that they may
lose sight of the need for the in-
fusion of understanding of Is-
rael in the interest of advancing
American-Israel friendship. He
proceeded to make a strong plea
for a peace settlement with the
Arabs to replace the armistice.
The Ambassador pointed to
the manner in which "the full
tide of Arab fury" was, in re-
cent months, hurled at Israel,
compelling the small state to
remain on the defensive and
militarily prepared for attacks.
Showing that Israel's 8,000
square miles of territory are in-•
finitesimal compared with the
combined stretch of 2,000,000
square miles of land posessed
by nine Arab states, Mr. Ebart;
reminding the audience that not
a single of these states po•-
sessed independence 40 years
ago, called it "ignoble" for the
rich Arab nations to turn their
backs on the tiny notch wherein
Israel has achieved independ-
ence.

Asserting that the Arabs
are the main beneficiaries in
the attainment of independ-
ence, Mr. Eban said, "we do not
begrudge them their vast em-
pire, but we do not apoligize
for our small 8,000-mile area."
Reiterating that Israel "con -

Sosnick to Head
Landsmanshaften

Isidore Sosnick, president of
the Landsmanshaften Council,
and Louis Levine, chairman of
its executive committee, an- .
nounce that the Council will
install its officers at 9 p.m., June
13, in the Davi-
son Jewish Cen-
ter.
The new offi-
cers are Isidore
Sosnick, presi-
dent; M. Mallin,
J. Ormond, vice-
president; S.
Belkin and M.
Kaminsky, Sec-
retaries; Louis
Sosnick . Levine, c h a i r-
man of executive committee..
The Halevy - Farband - Work-
men's Circle combined chorus,
under the d i r ection of Dan
Frohman, will present the mu-
sical portion of the program.
Sidney M. Shevitz, president of
the Jewish Community Council,
will be the guest speaker.

Much as the display of the red flag is to be deplored—and it
is good to know that Israel's leaders, Ben-Gurion, Sharett and
others, agree with opponents of such displays—it seems to us that
Lavon's explanation is a logical one. It is easy to become upset
over red-flag-waving. But the fight against extremes is an easier
one when the issue is viewed rationally. The creation of the issue
by General Zionist spokesmen was, we believe, an error in judg- 2
ment,

—

DETROIT JEWISH NEWS

Friday, June 5, 1953

In his plea for a continua-
tion of Jewish aid for Israel,
Mr. Eban said that "if external
sources were to be cut off—
and they could be cut off be-
yond our jurisdiction — we
would be in a precarious posi-
tion. The huge gap in an al-
ready precarious situation has

created prospects of a far-,

reaching economic recession.
It is only upon the Jewish
communities that we can
count—and that of assistance
of free from pitfalls, in good
times and in ill. Therefore con-
tributions to Israel must be
increased in absolute terms."

Stating that in spite of pres-
ent difficulties he sees auguries
of economic strength in Israel,
Mr. Eban pleaded for the con-
tinuation of all present efforts.
He indicated that after next
year, when the bond drive is
scheduled to close, Israel will
embark on other means to sup-
plement bond income.
' Speaking of the friendship
that exists between the U. S.
and Israel, Mr. Eban said: "The
fact is that Israel—the only
country where democracy flour-,
ishes—is the one state that re-
sembles the United States."
Louis Berry and Joseph Holtz-
man spoke briefly during - the an-
nouncement • of pledges. Israel
Davidson, honorary chairman of
the Detroit bond drive, partici-
pated in the program. Rabbi
Jacob Segal gave the invocation._
, The national anthems were sung
by Mrs. Abraham Cooper, ac-
companied by Mrs. Royal Maas.

A Strong Bond of Determination

Three people with bonds on their minds are, left to. right: Mrs.
LILLIAN GRAHM, head of the Speaker's Bureau of the Detroit
Bond organization; Dr. ABRAHAM BIRAN, Governor of Jerusalem;,
and Mrs. JACOB S. SAULS. Dr. Biran was in Detroit last week,
and addressed three afternoon meetings of Detroit women inter-
esting them in participation in BIG Day on June 14.

Between You and Me

By BORIS SMOLAR

(Copyright, 1953, Seven Arts Feature Syndicate)

Washington Notes:

American Jewish leaders interested in securing reparations
from Austria met in Washington with the Austrian Ambassador
As a result, a definite date was set for the start of negotiations
between representatives of the Austrian Government and Jewish
organizations . . . The talks will begin in the middle of June and
will be held in Vienna.
Washington experts are now working on projects for technical
aid to Israel under the Mutual Security Program ... These projects
are primarily a continuation and expansion of the projects already
initiated through the Point Four program in prior , years .. The
new projects providing for technical assistance are limited to im-.
parting American know-how and technology . . . They provide for
The
close cooperation with Israel officials and private groups .
largest single group of projects is agricultural, advice on the de-
velopment of new sources of water, and reclamation of soil .
Israel will also be Helped to determine the possibilities for explor-
ing mineral resources ... Also in the work of improving highway
construction, in work related to irrigation and drainage develop-
ment, in the planning of public health programs and in the oper-
ation of central laboratories,

Inside Israel:

Israel may pave the way for the solution of a problem which
is uppermost in the minds of many statesmen who are seeking to
check poverty in countries where the birthrate is extremely high.
The Planned Parenthood Federation of America has learned
that the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel is conducting
chemical experiments with a certain plant which may lead to the
production of pills effective in birth control . . . Species of the
plant can be found in all parts of the world, but many of its vari-
eties are available in Israel, and this makes research work in
Israel much easier than in other countries ... The ultimate goal
of the research conducted by the Weizmann Institute is a prac-
tical oral contraceptive for which science has been searching for
decades . . . The Planned Parenthood Federation of America,
interested in encouraging work in the birth control field, has now
made a grant of $7,500 ,to the Weizmann Institute for the project
of a six-month period starting July 1st . .. Dr. David Goldberg,
who• conducted research on birth control projects in the United
States and who has made his home now in Israeel, is directing thi)
Weizmann Institute project,