Mayor Impellitteri Gets Enthusiastic Welcome in Jerusalem

The people of Jerusalem today gave an enthusiastic welcome to Vincent R. Impellitteri, Mayor of New York, “the most Jewish city in the world.” Arriving from the Lydda International Airport this morning in a motor cavalcade escorted by motorcycle police, Mayor Impellitteri was greeted by cheering crowds that lined the streets leading to the King David Hotel.

After a short rest, the Mayor visited Premier David Ben Gurion, at whose invitation he came to the Jewish state, and had a half-hour conversation with him. Later he was the guest of the Jerusalem City Council at a reception and, a accompanied by Jerusalem’s Mayor S.Z. Shragai, he reviewed a police guard of honor.

Mayor Shragai, who presented Mayor Impellitteri with a gold pin on which was embossed the Jerusalem seal, called him “one of Israel’s staunchest friends” and gave him the freedom of the city. Impellitteri paid tribute to Israel for doing “what no other nation would ever do – maintaining an open door policy for homeless thousands.” He added that Israel “deserves” the continued co-operation of the civilized world.

From this reception he left for a tour of the Jerusalem area, during which he laid a wreath on the tomb of Dr. Theodor Herzl, Tonight he will be the guest of honor at a dinner given by Premier Ben Gurion and which will be attended by members of the Israel Cabinet and Parliament and the Jewish Agency executive.

At the airport this morning the Mayor told newsmen that he deeply appreciated Premier Ben Gurion’s invitation which has given him an opportunity to satisfy an old desire to see the Holy Land and also to witness the progress made by the Jewish State.