The three Israeli airmen released from Syrian captivity two weeks ago called on President Katzir today to receive his personal blessing on their return.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you here because I hope this house will symbolize all the hopes of the people of Israel and of the Jewish people and your presence here reflects the deep emotion felt throughout the nation from the moment your return became known,” Katzir told them.
Both Katzir and Prime Minister Golda Meir expressed the hope that the ten Israeli captives still being held in Egypt would also be released.
The fliers–Gideon Magen, Pinhas Nahmani and Boaz Eitan–attended the brief ceremony with their families. Also present in addition to Mrs. Meir were Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Chief of Staff Gen. David Elazar and other top Army officers.
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