The Rotary Balita no. 614 (February 10, 1948)

From troubled Palestine comes an inspiring report on the Rotary Club of Haifa. Truly international in membership and spirit, the club recently admitted 8 new members of different nationalities in place of outgoing Arab and British members. A French Christian and a Jew are also expected to join shortly. The club president is a Moslem, the secretary a Jew, and the treasurer a Dutch Christian. Two British Christians and two Jews are members of the Board of Directors. Although most of the members speak Hebrew, which is the language of the new State of Israel, club proceedings are conducted mostly in English for courtesy and efficiency. The secretary writes that club meetings are attended by many foreigners including United Nations and Consulate members. He makes special mention of the remarkable spirit of international fellowship prevailing despite the fact that the country is presently at war. He cites an instance in 1948 where in the club president and a past: old risked their lives by taking their eo dent the usual Rotary table while a battle © at raging in the vicinity of the club ie Was 1948, in fact, not a single meeting was canceled although considerable shooting as can took place in the neighborhood. The secretary also reports that the club is actively engaged in helping the men in the front lines. Books collected by the club’s community service committee are distributed among the wounded as well as the prisoners of war in camp.