The ambassadors of at least 40 countries and other public figures attended a reception at the Israeli Embassy here today marking the 27th anniversary of Israel’s independence, Similar receptions were held today at the Israeli Embassies in Paris, London and The Hague. Among the ambassadors who greeted Ambassador and Mrs. Simcha Dinitz in Washington were the envoys of Rumania, the only Communist bloc country that maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, and Ireland, Israel and the Irish Republic only recently established formal diplomatic relations.
President Ford was represented at the Embassy reception by L. William Seidman, his Assistant for Economic Affairs, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Joseph J. Sisco headed a contingent from the State Department. AFL-CIO president George Meany was among the guests, as was former Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban who will address students at Georgetown University tonight and will speak before the National Press Club tomorrow.
In Paris, Ambassador Asher Ben Natan opened the Embassy’s doors to the entire Israeli colony in the French capital, A Paris synagogue was the scene of the first reading of the special Independence Day prayer composed by Israel’s two Chief Rabbis. Groups of Jewish high school students presented roses to passers-by in the Place de la Republique. The students were members of the Voltaire High School’s Zionist committee.
JEWS, NON-JEWS MINGLE AT CELEBRATIONS
Hundreds of guests attended an informal reception at the Israeli Embassy in London today where they were greeted by Ambassador and Mrs. Gideon Rafael. The Embassy became a meeting place for Israelis living in London and members of the Anglo-Jewish community. There were also many non-Jewish well-wishers. Later in the day, Ambassador and Mrs. Rafael flew to Dublin to hold an Independence Day reception for Irish leaders, Rafael serves the dual role of Ambassador to both Britain and Ireland.
A diplomatic reception at the Israeli Embassy in The Hague was attended by about 350 persons who were addressed by Ambassador Hanan Bar. The guests included Foreign Minister Max van der Stohl, Defense Minister Hendrik Vredeling and several deputy ministers along with the chairmen of Holland’s major political parties. The Dutch branch of the World Zionist Organization held an Independence Day celebration at an Amsterdam theater last night. All 650 seats were sold out in advance.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
