Israeli President Weiznann today paid an official visit to the Negev, the highlight of which was a trip to Beersheba where he reviewed a parade of Israeli Army units composed of representatives of all Negev defense forces, including veterans of the Eylat occupation.
Later, Bedouin Sheiks–Haj Suleiman and Abu Jalyun, of the Tarbien tribe–presented Dr. Weizmann with a silver sword, recalling that he had always hoped for cooperation between Jews and Arabs in the Negev. They said they had been liberated by Israeli troops in the Jews’ advance on Abu Geila after having been interned by the Egyptians for their pro-Jewish sentiments.
A third Sheik, Suleiman Harlin, of the Yahye tribe, presented Dr. Weizmann with a Koran. The Israel President, in response said that he had always hoped for cooperation between the Jews and Arabs, particularly in the Negev where, he added, it is up to the Israelis to raise the standard of living of the Arabs to further the common interest. The Presidents visit to the Negev was climaxed by a dinner attended by both Israelis and Arabs.
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