A Foreign Ministry spokesman said today that Israel observes “with grave concern” the killing and wounding of Jews by Arab mobs in the Tunisian capital. He stressed that the attacks on Jewish life and property are a “heavy blow against the reputation and name of the Tunisian national movement, which describes itself as progressive and has asked the help of world opinion and conscience.”
The spokesman declared that these “outrageous” outbreaks of racial hatred cast doubt on “Tunisian maturity” to handle a state and administration. He added that Israel hopes that the responsible elements in Tunisia will take steps to secure Jewish life and property in that country.
The attacks on Jews in Tunis had their echo in Israel today when deputies from two opposing parties each proposed that Parliament begin immediately a discussion of the Tunisian situation. The proposals were referred to the Knesset Foreign Affairs Committee.
Herut member Dr. Arieh Altman demanded that Parliament decide now what stand the Israel Government would take at the United Nations on the question of Tunisian independence from France. Eliahou Hacarmeli, Mapai member, urged that the Knesset send encouragement to the Jews of Tunisia and condolences to the families of casualties.
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