President of Israel recalled a visit with 'Abdu'l-Baha in Bahji

"The Guardian and Ruhiyyih Khanum warmly received the President and Mrs. Ben-Zvi, surrounding them with gracious hospitality. During the friendly and informal discussion which followed, Shoghi Effendi outlined the aims and purposes of the Faith, the love and friendliness of the Baha'is for Israel, and their hope and prayer for the success of the State. The President recalled a visit with 'Abdu'l-Baha some years ago in Bahji, when he and Mrs. Ben-Zvi were making a tour of the country. Persian tea and sweets were served. A beautiful hand-wrought silver-bound volume with colored views of the Baha'i Holy Places in Israel, both at Bahjl and on Mt. Carmel, was presented to the President as a memento of the occasion."

(The Baha'i World, Vol. 12, Page 45)

As the Guardian wrote in his letter of March 29, 1951: "All these establish, beyond the shadow of doubt, the high status enjoyed by the international institutions of a World Faith, in the eyes of a new-born State."

(The Baha'i World, Vol. 12, Page 46)