Israelis, who were stunned yesterday by news of the shooting of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, reacted with profound sorrow this morning as they learned of the Senator’s death. News of the assassination attempt, and identification of the accused gunman as a Palestinian Arab from what was formerly the Jordanian sector of Jerusalem, made banner headlines yesterday and crowded virtually all other news off the front pages. Word of Mr. Kennedy’s death reached Israel at 11:00 a.m. local time, after this morning’s newspapers had gone to press. But it was broadcast on radio and spread in minutes all over the country.
Classes in Israeli schools were interrupted by the news. Teachers set aside the day’s lessons and gave their pupils impromptu talks on Sen. Kennedy and his family. Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, who yesterday cabled to the Kennedy family and President Johnson Israel’s wishes for the Senator’s recovery, sent a message of condolence today. Prayers were said in synagogues throughout the country for the Senator and his family.
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