Prime Minister Sharon visited the Negev today for three ceremonies, beginning with an official memorial for David & Paula Ben-Gurion, at Midreshet Sdei Boker. Later in the day, he accepted an honorary degree from Ben Gurion University in the Negev - an award contested by some of the institution\'s faculty. However, the most emotional and moving ceremony occurred in between: the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the new Negev community of Halukim - the first new settlement there in 14 years. The members of the new religious-Zionist yishuv have requested permission from Israel\'s Naming Committee to rename their town Merhav Am, in memory of the assassinated Minister Rehavam Ze\'evi. Ze\'evi\'s successor, Tourism Minister Benny Elon, expressed gratification that his own son was among the founding members of the new Negev community.