Israeli President Zaiman Shazar, accompanied by former Israeli Premier David Ben-Gurion, arrived here late last night aboard a special plane, to attend services for former President Charles de Gaulle. They were welcomed at Orly Airport by French Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean Lipkovsky and the Chief of Protocol. Speaking with newsmen, Pres. Shazar said, “We have come from Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, to participate in France’s sorrow. In spite of our recent differences with France we have come to pay tribute to de Gaulle, the hero of France and of the entire world. Israel has a long memory and cannot forget how de Gaulle fought Nazi barbarism and anti-Semitism in Europe.” Mr. Shazar concluded his brief address by saying, “Israel, in its earnest desire for lasting and just peace knows that it can count on France’s friendship.” Mr. Shazar and Mr. Ben-Gurion stood before a picture of de Gaulle in an airport room. Mr. Ben-Gurion appeared deeply moved. This morning they attended mass at Notre Dame Cathedral together with 82 other delegations and are scheduled to be received this afternoon at Elysee Palace by President Georges Pompidou where they will officially present Israel’s condolences. Meanwhile, Chief Rabbi Jacob Kaplan announced that he was holding special services for the man who, according to him, “fought Nazism and for equal rights for Jews.” Rabbi Kaplan and leaders closely associated with Jewish or Israeli affairs sent their condolences to Pres. Pompidou and Mrs. Yvonne de Gaulle.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
