To most of the 5,000 Egyptians captured in the Sinai campaign, the image of Israel was the one Nasser's radio had given thema contemptible land of near starvation kept alive by U.S. subsidies, needing only one quick and timely push by the Arabs to shove it into final oblivion. But a few Egyptians were more curious. Israel's Foreign Ministry, learning that some Egyptian officers wanted to see Israel for themselves, jumped at the chance.
Haifa clothing merchants agreed to lend each officer a civilian suit for a day, and a tour usually began with host (recruited among Haifa doctors, lawyers,...