Hussein Receives First Group of Israeli Arabs to Visit Amman

The first group of Israeli Arabs ever admitted into Jordan was received by King Hussein in Amman yesterday and expressed condolences over the death of Queen Alia in a helicopter crash two weeks ago. The group consists of 28 Moslems and three Christian Arabs from Haifa and Acre, headed by Kadi (religious court judge) Mohammed Hubeishi.

Many of them are prominent in the civil and religious life of Israel’s Arab community. They visited the Royal Palace with other condolence missions from the West Bank. Until now. Jordan has refused entry to Arabs who are citizens of Israel though West Bank and Gaza Strip Arabs are freely admitted.

Jordanian television reported on their meeting with the King last night and quoted Hussein as expressing his pride at the “strong standing of the Arabs of Israel.” The announcer did not mention the fact that the visitors were from Israel but identified them as a delegation from “Haifa and Acre.” He did not quote their remarks to the King.

The mission was initiated and arranged by Suhel Shukri, son of a former Mayor of Haifa. But until the last moment it was uncertain whether the Jordanian authorities would permit them to cross the Allenby Bridge. When permission was finally granted last Friday emotions ran high and the group was accompanied to the bridge by a throng of relatives and friends.

Jordanian officials greeted them “In the name of the King and the people.” Hubeishi told reporter at the bridge that he hoped the visit portended a significant change in relations with Jordan that would lead to future contacts. Israeli observers also expressed hope that the liberalized policy in Amman would soon allow Israeli Arabs to make the religious pilgrimage to Mecca via the Jordan River bridges. The group is due back in Israel tomorrow.