The Development Corporation for Israel (Israel Bonds) was founded in 1951 to raise money from the American public for the fledgling Israeli state, which, at the time, was struggling to build an infrastructure and economy to support its growing population. The first Israel Bonds sales drive was launched in New York by David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister. Ben-Gurion's coast to coast tour of the United States would raise 52.6 million dollars by the end of 1951. The funds raised by the sale of Israel Bonds in 1951 and in subsequent years and decades were key factors in establishing a sound Israeli economy.
Dinner in honor of Eddie Cantor, "Father of the Year," and to sell Israel Bonds. San Francisco Mayor helped introduced Cantor and presented him with a key to the city. Followed by a speech by Lincoln Bell Hale about the potential and development of Israel's agriculture and technology. Cantor gave the keynote address with anecdotes from his career and calls for people to buy bonds. Starting at [24:18] of file 2, announcement of bond purchases. Held at Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco.
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