Israel celebrates 50 years of survival

A CHILD climbs along a cannon barrel during an Israeli army weapons exhibition at the Gush Etzion settlement yesterday.

Israelis celebrated the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the state with dancing in the streets, fireworks and military demonstrations that included a fly-past by the air force, a naval display and the dropping of paratroopers on Tel Aviv beach.

Ultra-orthodox Israelis objected to a display by modern dancers at the "Jubilee Bells" festivity last night. The dancers were reported to be intending to strip down to their underwear. Pale

stinians, meanwhile, mourned the loss of their land 50 years ago.

Israel celebrates, page 13

Photograph: AFP