Fourteen members of Israel’s championship Hapoel soccer team were welcomed by Vice President Richard M. Nixon who told them that a small country like Israel can survive only if it has a situation with its neighbors that would assure peaceful relations.
He welcomed the Israelis on behalf of the American people and wished them luck on the field of play. The delegation was greeted in the formal reception room of the Capitol building. Mr. Nixon was presented with a silver-bound Old Testament Bible and a lifetime pass to soccer games in Israel. Members of the Senate and House joined in welcoming the Israelis.
Mr. Nixon expressed hope that efforts would lead to peace and the right of Israel to maintain and strengthen itself. The Vice President said he always believed in goodwill tours such as the team is making. He said countries can disagree on issues but can share constructive benefits of such exchanges.
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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.
