Celebrations of the first anniversary of the re-unification of East and West Jerusalem, which falls on May 26 according to the Hebrew calendar, will be low-keyed generally as a gesture of conciliation to the Arab population of East Jerusalem, it was indicated here today. The Cabinet decided last night that only schools will take official notice of the event. The only other official observance will be the recitation of a “thanksgiving prayer,” authored by the Chief Rabbinate, which will take place at the West Wall. Celebrations planned by various non-governmental bodies are being screened by a special cabinet committee which will pass on their fitness for the occasion. All parades and outdoor meetings require a police license. So far, no licenses have been denied but police are insisting on detailed parade routes and time-tables for each event.
One event will be the convention of the rightist Herut Party, scheduled to open on May 26 outside the Zion Gate, one of the entrances to the old walled city. The site was chosen to dramatize the reunification of Jerusalem. Party leader Menachem Beigin will deliver the keynote address. Among other items on its agenda, Herut will discuss whether to continue its participation in the Eshkol coalition government in which Mr. Beigin holds the post of minister without portfolio. Herut advocates Israel’s permanent retention of all occupied Arab territories.
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