Former Premier David Ben-Gurion, who did not attend the inauguration yesterday of the new Parliament building, took his seat today in the new Knesset home. He declined to reply to a question as to why he was absent from yesterday’s ceremonies. Members of his dissident Israel Workers Party (Rafi) said they did not know why Mr. Ben-Gurion did not attend the event.
It was assumed that he took offense for not being invited to kindle the torch at the new Knesset which might be considered his due as the oldest member of Parliament. He also was not invited to sit with the visiting and Israeli dignitaries during the inauguration, despite the fact that former Prime Ministers rank high in the order of precedence on Israel’s protocol list. He is Israel’s only living ex-Prime Minister.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
