Moro Expresses Hope Wailing Wall Will Always Remain Jewish

Foreign Minister Aldo Moro of Italy visited the Wailing Wall in East Jerusalem today and said he hoped “it will always remain Jewish.” The Italian diplomat was accompanied by Dr. Zerach Warhaftig, Minister of Religious Affairs, who explained that Jews have worshiped at the Wall since the destruction of the Temple. Moro said he “admired the way the Jewish people maintained their link with this historic shrine.” He also observed that Italy had “feelings of solidarity with the people of Israel, as one ancient people to another.” He said his government had “a deep interest in Israel’s independence and security.” Moro, who arrived here last Thursday on an official visit at the invitation of Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban, greeted Jewish and Arab dignitaries at a reception in his honor Friday. He said the presence of Jews and Arabs together was “proof of the climate of cooperation which exists in this city.” He added that “the fact that many religious denominations carry on their tasks in this city is an opening for peace.” The dignitaries included Arab notables from East Jerusalem and Bethlehem and Christian church leaders. The Italian Foreign Minister also noted “the excellent state of relations between Israel and Italy” and suggested that it represented “a step forward, however small, toward the building of peace in the Middle East.”