Thousands of tourists continued pouring into Israel by plane and by ship today to spend the Passover holidays in the country. Israelis jammed intercity transportation facilities and stepped up preparations for the festival which begins tomorrow at sundown.
During the past four days, some 70 flights arrived at Lydda Airport, more than double the usual number for the period. The Zim liner Shalom, currently on a Mediterranean cruise with 662 Americans aboard, docked at Haifa harbor today, where it will remain during Passover. Other Zim liners brought 1,740 passengers from the United States, Europe and Haifa in time for Passover. The line said that passengers aboard five other vessels which will be at sea during Passover, will celebrate the holiday aboard ship.
Hotels in various parts of the country have been booked to accommodate most of the visitors, each of whom receives a gift parcel from the Citrus Marketing Board on entering the country.
A highlight of the holiday week will be the Ein Gev Music Festival which opens at the settlement on Lake Tiberias, Tuesday.
In honor of the holiday, President Zalman Shazar shortened the sentences of 135 civilian and 30 military prisoners to enable their release before Passover.
Special provisions will be made for tourists to observe a second seder on Tuesday evening at leading hotels and tourist centers in various parts of the country. Israelis observe only one seder, tomorrow evening.
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