From apocalyptical gloom to euphoria

Abstract

From November 16 to 21, 1977, an International Symposium was held in Tel Aviv, organised by the English-language periodical, New Outlook, to mark the 20th anniversary of its publication. It brought together politicians, writers, and scholars from many countries, including Britain, with differing views and outlooks but united by the one thought: How to achieve peace in the Middle East and to advance peaceful co-operation between Israel and her Arab neighbours. Unforeseen by the organisers and unexpected by anyone else, the news of President Sadat's visit to Jerusalem burst right in the middle of the proceedings, and from then on overshadowed everything else.—Ms Reid Banks attended the Symposium as a member of the British delegation.