A Nation of Sages

The Israeli Trade Union movement fulfilled a very different function from that of its brothers overseas. Besides defending the interests of the organised workers, it ran many co-operative factories, and also helped raise the educational and cultural standards of its members.

Despite difficulties due to the country's economic position, education was now free and compulsory to the age of 17. This, and other civil rights of the Israeli, were shared by the Arab minority within the State. The Jews, said Mr. Lederberger, had suffered too much from persecution ever to persecute others.

He also mentioned that there was a Hebrew University in Jerusalem with which Salient might profitably arrange an exchange. He had himself been pleased to meet other students in Australia and New Zealand, having addressed the University Labour Club in Melbourne.