On Israel's Birthday

THE ESTABLISHMENT of the state of Israel 29 years ago today was the fulfillment of the 200-year-old dram of the Jewish people, "to be a free nation in our homeland." The celebration of Israel's independence is marred by continued strife in the Middle East. Although peace in that troubled region appears to be as remote a prospect as ever, some political signals have of late been encouraging. There can be no fonder prayer for Israel in its 30th year than one for a full, final and just peace among the opposing parties--the Arab sates, Israel and the Palestinian people.