Orthodox Jews protested the docking of the French liner France at Haifa yesterday–on the Sabbath–by blocking the port gates. Several hundred tourists who disembarked from the 66,000 ton liner were prevented for a while from boarding buses for sightseeing tours. The protestors conducted a Sabbath service in front of the gates and then dispersed. Police were on hand but no incidents occurred and no arrests were made.
The France’s arrival at Haifa yesterday made her the largest passenger liner ever to visit Israel, a distinction which up to then belonged to the slightly smaller British liner Queen Elizabeth 2. The latter vessel, which is remaining in Israeli waters through Independence Day, sailed yesterday for Ashdod where she was visited by former Premier David Ben Gurion. The Israeli elder statesman was greeted by hundreds of passengers aboard the QE 2.
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