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An aeroplane
with the German air force's emblem,
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the German national anthem
played by Israeli soldiers;
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a warm welcome that couldn't quite be
concealed by the schematic protocol.
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An event in Israel that would have
been unimaginable some years ago.
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Yet thousands of policemen
and riflemen guarded Willy Brandt,
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the first German head of government
to visit Israel.
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The country expected advice
and help from the Chancellor
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in the political resolution
of the Middle East conflict.
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Since the June War, Israel has
taken control of Arabic territory,
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including the Old City of Jerusalem,
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with its historic sites
such as the Wailing Wall.
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Unofficially, it was hoped that
the German Nobel Peace Prize winner,
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who had legally
signed off German territory
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in the German Eastern treaties,
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would work towards the same objective
with the Arab states.
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But in the first discussions
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with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir
and President Katzir,
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the Chancellor clearly outlined
Germany's stance
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towards the Middle East Conflict,
once gifts had been exchanged.
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Strict neutrality, including
the commitment to the State of Israel
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and its safe borders.
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Bonn must serve not as an active agent
in the conflict,
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but, as the Chancellor
stated at a celebration dinner
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in the Israeli Parliament building,
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as a fair mediator
of objective information.
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The official Israeli State
accepted this point of view.
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"Collectively work
towards a better future",
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that was the motto of the talks held
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between the Israelis and Germans
over five days.
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The Federal Republic of Germany would
not evade the shadows of the past.
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Willy Brandt stated this
on his arrival.
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The visit to Yad Vashem,
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the memorial to
the victims of the Holocaust,
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became the emotional highlight
of the visit to Israel.
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After prayer, the Chancellor
placed a wreath on the ground.
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After falling to his knees
at the monument in Warsaw,
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he made a less spectacular gesture.
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He read out loud
the Old Testament's Psalm 103.
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"The Lord is merciful and gracious,"
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"slow to anger,
and plenteous in mercy."
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"He will not always chide,"
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"neither will he
keep his anger forever."