Israel will celebrate the 100th birthday anniversary of David Ben Gurion, the first Premier of Israel, at a State ceremony here October 20.
Education Minister Yitzhak Navon, a former President of Israel and once Ben Gurion’s personal secretary, expressed regret at a press conference Wednesday that the occasion would not be marked by the establishment of a new settlement in the Negev, the region Ben Gurion loved most and where he made his home.
Navon recalled Ben Gurion’s insistence on the moral superiority of Israel. Therefore, he said, “BG opposed Israeli rule in Gaza because such rule would be the rule of bayonets which would negate claims to moral superiority.”
The birthday anniversary ceremonies will include symposiums, seminars and exhibitions. Many public institutions will hold festive sessions. A new stamp bearing Ben Gurion’s image will be issued along with a special medal commemorating his birthday.
Ben Gurion, regarded by many as one of the century’s leading statesmen, will also be honored abroad. A Ben Gurion birthday concert will be given in Paris on October 9, under the baton of Daniel Barenboim. Festive ceremonies will be held in London on the same date and at the Kennedy Center in Washington on May 20, 1987.
President Reagan, President Francois Mitterrand of France and Premier Bob Hawke of Australia will preside over Ben Gurion Birthday ceremonies in their respective countries.
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