President Zalman Shazar received a message from President Richard M. Nixon today congratulating Israel on the 23rd anniversary of its independence. President Shazar issued his own Independence Day message referring to Israel’s “intense struggle for the achievement of a true, stable and secure peace between us and our neighbors.” Two minutes of silence were observed all over Israel in memory of fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen. Memorial observances were conducted at the country’s 17 military cemeteries, in schools and at numerous public places. Defense Minister Moshe Dayan addressed thousands of bereaved families gathered at the Jerusalem military cemetery adjoining Mt. Herzl. Finance Minister Pinhas Sapir spoke at the military cemetery at Nahariya. A taped address by Deputy Premier and Education Minister Yigal Allon was broadcast to all schools. Allon returned to Israel today from a visit to the United States. President Nixon’s message said; “Dear Mr. President. As you and the people of Israel are observing the 23rd anniversary of Israel’s independence, I take special pleasure in extending my congratulations and those of my fellow Americans. The industry and courage that have been shown by the Israeli people give you reason to look with satisfaction on the past and to face the future with confidence. Let us hope and pray that the coming year will bring Israel and the Middle East the peace which we all seek.”
President Shazar stated in his message that “It should be Incontestably clear that hostile plans to destroy our nationhood and to erase Israel’s name from the map of this region are foredoomed to failure and are lacking in wisdom and humanity.” He said that with all its desire for peace. “Israel and its defense forces are ready for any trials that may come and are sustained by the concern and devotion of Jews throughout the world.” Most of the Arab and Druze local and regional councils in Israel published messages of congratulations to the Jewish State in the Arabic language newspaper Al Anba today. Memorial ceremonies were held in the Druze and Circassian communities for their sons who have fallen in service with Israel’s armed forces. The Druze and Circassians, but not Israel’s Arab population, are eligible for service in the Israeli Army. Independence Day celebrations were officially opened this evening by Knesset Speaker Reuben Barkatt at the gravesite of the founder of political Zionism, Dr. Theodor Herzl, on Mt. Herzl. The kevnote of the ceremony was “Lat My People Go,” referring to the efforts of Soviet Jews to migrate to Israel. Twelve beacons, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, were lit by new immigrants from Russia and Arab states. The sound of sirens marking the end of Remembrance Day was the signal for turning on special lights throughout Tel Aviv as a prelude to events tomorrow that will include ceremonial maneuvers by Israeli Air Force planes in the first all-American-jet display–Phantoms and Skyhawks.
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