Peter Freistadt, the Czechoslovakian stage director who came here to direct a play by the Ohel Theater, asked for asylum at Lydda Airport today after he was already aboard his plane to return home. He will be permitted to remain in Israel in accordance with this country’s Law of Return which allows any Jew abroad the right to emigrate to Israel.
During his visit here, it was suggested that Mr. Freistadt, who has no relatives in Czechoslovakia, remain in Israel. He decided, however, to return home. He boarded his plane for the return flight to Europe, but, after the doors of the aircraft were shut and the stairs were removed, he asked to be allowed off the plane. After disembarking, he approached the first policeman he saw for permission to remain in Israel.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
