Israel’s 25th Independence Day was ushered in officially this evening with ceremonies on Mt. Herzl where 12 heroes of the nation’s war for independence in 1948 kindled 12 beacons symbolizing the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Knesset Speaker Yisrael Yeshayahu, who proclaimed himself “One of the redeemed of the Yemenite exile,” lit a 13th beacon and recited “Sheheyianu,” the traditional blessing for great occasions.
Jerusalem police, who expect 300,000 persons to watch tomorrow’s Independence Day parade along the line of march, sealed off the city tonight to all traffic except buses and taxis. Meanwhile, enterprising vendors began setting up kiosks along the parade route to provide refreshments for the spectators. The weather forecast for tomorrow is fair and warm.
Security services carried out a wide-scale preventive detention drive against suspicious elements on the West Bank to prevent any mishaps during Independence Day celebrations tomorrow. Most of those arrested were persons previously jailed on charges of membership in hostile organizations and released on completion of their terms in prison. There was suspicion that such elements might have been recruited by terrorist organizations to carry out acts of sabotage.
While security measures are expected to be rigid, no restrictions were imposed on movement between Israel proper and the administered territories, nor were any restrictions imposed on movement inside the territories. The public at large was called upon to be on the alert and report on any suspicious movements or parcels.
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.
