The voice of David Ben Gurion speaking on the importance of Jerusalem was heard here this morning. The recorded remarks of Israel’s first Prime Minister, the man who proclaimed the nation’s independence 32 years ago, were broadcast over loudspeakers on the seventh anniversary of his death.
The occasion was observed at the grave site of Ben Gurion and his wife Paula in this village overlooking the Negev desert where they made their home after retirement from public life. President Yitzhak Novon of Israel and Acting Premier Yigael Yodin were on hand to pay tribute to the man many regard as the father of the Jewish State. They and Knesset Speaker Yitzhak Berman Chief of Staff Gen Raphael Eitan, senior army officers, settlers from all parts of the Negev, and American officials in charge of building the new Israel Air Force bases in the region, joined members of Ben Gurion’s family at a brief memorial service.
Israeli generals formed on honor guard at the grave as the traditional El Moleh Rahamim and Kodish were recited.
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