"We would like to take this opportunity," the letter says, "to rectify a historic missed opportunity which unfortunately took place in 1965 when you were invited to Israel. Unfortunately, the State of Israel cancelled your performance in the country due to lack of budget and because several politicians in the Knesset had believed at the time that your performance might corrupt the minds of the Israeli youth."
The paper said Israeli Ambassador to Britain Ron Prosor was expected to meet Monday morning with John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, at The Beatles museum in Liverpool and to present her with an official letter of apology.
Prosor was also expected to send similar letters to Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and to the relatives of the late George Harrison.
"There is no doubt that it was a great missed opportunity to prevent people like you, who shaped the minds of the generation, to come to Israel and perform before the young generation in Israel who admired you and continues to admire you," the letter said.
Prosor was expected to take advantage of this opportunity and invite the two remaining band members, McCartney and Starr, to take part in Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations, the paper said.
