Passover Mood Eases Tension in Israel; Many Tourists from U.S.

The hotels of Israel were fairly full today on the eve of Passover as a great many tourists from all parts of the world flocked here for the holiday, despite the tension. Hundreds of tourists have arrived from the United States alone in recent days.

Although the holiday mood has eased the tension among Israelis, there is hardly a family in Israel which will not have at its seder tonight a young man or woman subject to immediate mobilization in the event of Arab attack. In the border settlements and in army positions facing the Arabs the traditional seder will be interrupted by young men and women leaving to take their turn at the watch tower or sentry duty.

Military chaplains were sent to the most remote areas of Israel to hold seders for servicemen on active duty. They also conducted services in all camps and rear positions, Meanwhile, all bus facilities were strained as Israelis moved in and out of the cities to spend the holiday with family and friends.

Chief Rabbi Itzhak Halevi Herzog issued a Passover message to the Jews of the world urging revival of the “religious spirit” among Jews and calling for aid to Israel. “In this solemn season,” the Chief Rabbi said, “when we remember the miraculous liberation of the Jews from Egyptian bondage, we appeal to every Jew to identify himself with the great task of the liberation, physical and spiritual, which goes on through the ages and which this generation is called upon to realize.” Emphasizing that “peace is Judaism’s very essence,” the Chief Rabbi concluded “Peace, say our sages, is one of God’s names. We hate war. We hate hatred. We pray to our heavenly Father that He spare this hallowed land from the horrors of war.”

The Chief Rabbinate of Israel today proclaimed a worldwide day of prayer for April 15 to commemorate Israel Independence Day which this year falls on April 16. The proclamation calls on Jews in all countries to pray for Israel’s deliverance from the dangers which threaten her.