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