Israeli Premier Yitzhak Rabin was feted by 1000 members of the entertainment industry last night while about 200 pro-Arab demonstrators called for a “Free Palestine” outside of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The front and foyer of the hotel were heavily guarded and the demonstration was peaceful. Among those attending the star-studded dinner was Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger who reportedly met privately with Rabin later in the evening. Frank Sinatra headed the list on the entertainment program.
Earlier, at a press conference here, Rabin said he did not believe a statement by President Anwar Sadat of Egypt in a Lebanese magazine that Kissinger made “something more than a promise” to Sadat that the U.S. would recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization.
“I doubt it,” Rabin said, “because I can’t see that a private understanding with Egypt which Israel has not agreed to can help the cause of negotiations or more important the task of closing negotiations in any positive way.” The Premier added. “I believe it is clear that without Israel agreeing, there will be no amendment.”
Rabin repeated his criticism of the UN General Assembly for ignoring the 10-month long civil strife in Lebanon while calling for an immediate Security Council meeting over a single Israeli act of retaliation against terrorist bases in Lebanon. “Israel cannot expect any justice in the General Assembly.” Rabin stressed. “I believe that the UN has lost its moral strength and validity by its biased way of dealing with the problems of our region.”
Rabin, who came to Los Angeles from Chicago where he had been welcomed by Mayor Richard Daley and had met with local Jewish leaders, met here today with Jewish and non-Jewish groups. His schedule included a visit to the Rand Corporation, a luncheon given by the Israel Bonds Prime Minister’s Club and a dinner launching the 1976 campaign of the United Jewish Welfare Fund here. Rabin was also scheduled to meet with Los Angeles high school and college students and young adults at a meeting under the auspices of the Jewish Youth Council, the Youth Division and the Young Adults Council of the Jewish Federation-Council.
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