An unprecedented flow of tourists poured into Israel today to join in celebration of the Passover feast of freedom. Bright sunshine and a spring breeze buoyed the spirits of Israelis as the holiday mood began to prevail throughout the country.
Some 14 passenger ships were expected to bring more than 5,000 visitors from the United States, Latin America and Europe, in addition to the many thousands who have already arrived. A second seder was planned for tourists in major new hotels. Special traffic precautions were ordered on all roads and highways to cope with the surge of holiday travel. Every track-worthy coach was taken from railroad depots and pressed into service.
Lydda Airport and Haifa harbor have never seen such an influx of tourists for Passover, part officials said. El Al Boeing jets with capacity loads and a score of chartered jets and turbo-prop passenger airliners landed at the airport at such a rate that the scene was reminiscent of European or American international airports.
Organized groups in chartered planes comprised a large part of the tourist influx and hotels were sold out until after Israel’s Independence Day, May 9. Haifa port authorities rushed in special officials to speed landing procedures of the ships arriving at the port. Passover travel by Israeli Jews also was at a record level, mainly to the south, despite recent Arab incidents.
Israeli markets were jammed with a rich variety of Passover foods and sales were brisk. Prices of some commodities were high, mainly in fruits and vegetables. The high prices were attributed to seasonal factors.
Israel’s Samaritans, a sect which split itself off from Jewry several centuries ago, crossed the lines to Jordan today to celebrate Passover on Mount Gerizim. The 143 Israeli Samaritans will join the 230 remaining Samaritans in Jordan. The Jordanian Treasury allotted eight Jordanian dinar per adult and four for minors to the visiting Samaritans for use during their stay in Jordan.
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