Evening star., 1953-10-07
1000 Attend
Convention

By Ruth Dean

l
A recorded message from Mrs.
Itzak Ben Xvi, wife of the Presi-
dent of Israel, keynoted the 2Sth
anniversary luncheon OF the
Pioneer Women, the Women's
Labor Zionist Organization of
America. yesterday at the May
flower Hotel.
The luncheon was a highlight
Of the organizations 18th bien-
nial national convention, which
closes tomorrow with an install
lation banquet.
approximately 1000 women
were present, including $50 dele
gates from all sections of the
United States and Canada.
Mrs. Ben Xvi thanked the
Pioneer Women for what they
have already done in Israel by
contributing to the support Of
the Women'S Labor Zionist pro-
gram there. She stressed, how
ever, that there is still work to
be done "to fulfill the great task
of our generation to create a
working nation in Israel"
In addition to Mrs. Ben Zvi's
message, the delegates heard
talks by Mrs. Beba Idelson,
member of the Israel Parliament.
and Mrs. Alex Lowenthal, ma
tional women'S division chair
man for State of Israel bonds.
Miss Muriel Ferris. executive
secretary of the League of Wom-
en- Voters of the United States,
was the principal speaker.
Miss Ferris called for more
active participation by both men
and women in politics.
"The apathy of the average
American citizen to matters of
government, local, State and
national as well as international.
may well be one of the most
serious threats to the Soundness
of our world leadership" she
declared.
Miss Ferris urged women to
take more active role in poll
tics, because "a voice in the
choice of candidates is half a
voters power. and it is only as
member of a political party
that we can influence that
choice"
Noting that visitors from other
countries are astounded at the
relatively few American women
who are elected to public Office.
Miss Ferris further urged that
women become candidates them
selves.
The speaker said she realized
that family obligations often pre-
cluded women from seeking
political Office that would take
them far from home. She pointed
out, however, that they can run
for city council. the school board
and even the State legislature
until such time as they are free
to seek higher Office.
The luncheon agenda included
adoption of several resolutions
stating the Pioneer Women'S
stand on national and interna-
tional issues.
The delegates called for pas
sage of Federal legislation to
implement Constitutional guar
antees of full civil rights, and
particularly urged legislation to
outlaw lynching. the poll tax and
all forms of discrimination in
education. employment, housing
and use of public facilities.
Another resolution urged that
the United States ratify the
United Nations genocide treaty.
In other action, the delegates
called for extension of the Fed
eral social security program,
liberalization of the public SUBJ
sidy program for low-cost hous-
ing, amendment of the Taft
Hartley law, and increased
Federal aid to public education.
The group also Endorsed the
Lehman Omnibus immigration
bill as "a comprehensive revi-
sion" of the McCarran-Walter
law.
The resolutions were presented
by Miss Millie Brandt, chairman
of the Resolutions Committee
for the convention.
DR.. Sara FEEDER, national pres
ident. presided and introduced
head-table guests who included
wives of diplomats from four
countries in which there are
Pioneer Women groups, as we'll
as wives of the Israel Embassy
staff, headed by Mrs. Abba Eban,
wife Of the ambassador.
The diplomatic guests in
cluded Sonora de Mora. wife Of
the Uruguayan Ambassador;
Sonora de lara, wife Of the
Chilean Ambassador; Sonora de
Berckemeyer, wife of the PERU
Wan Ambassador, and Nine.
Bernard, wife of the French
Counselor.
The luncheon closed with
presentation of silver member
ship cards to Pioneer Women
who have served the organiza-
tion for 25 years or more.
L. kA.Ix