The president devoted his annual Independence Day message to the internal problems of Israel. He saw the growing confrontation between the secular and the religiously observant as one of Israel's gravest internal problems. He called for tolerance and the avoidance of inner polarization. Text:
Just now our flags, at half mast all day, have been raised to the top of the flagpole. The transition from Remembrance Day to Independence Day is painfully sharp and swift; it faithfully reflects the rise of Israel for which so dear a price was paid, such enormous sacrifices were made.
A year ago, on our last Independence Day, units of our army were still stationed in Lebanon, the economic crisis and inflation were at their height. Both these gravest of problems, so crushing and burdensome to the citizens of Israel have been removed and the way has been opened to a calmer and better life.
Certainly there are still difficulties. The basic threat to our security remains; the threat of terrorism is very real; and even the many achievements of the economic program, made possible by the sacrifices and efforts of the people of Israel, are only the beginning of a process that must continue. But our people has never been deterred by challenges, and our horizons today are brighter and more hopeful.
This Independence Day emphasizes the theme of democracy in Israel, democracy grounded on the enlightened principles of our declaration of independence which is itself inspired by the eternal values of the Jewish people. The State of Israel is one of the world's small and distinguished minority of truly democratic nations. Our democratic form of government is a treasure which must be jealously guarded. For only in a democracy is the citizen free to choose his government to express his opinions and his critical judgements. Democracy is the very essence of life of the State of Israel and the people of Israel. In our nature and make-up we are a democratic nation; we cannot and must not allow any microbe of anti-democracy to take root among us and exploit our democratic structure in order to destroy democracy from within. In this respect our democratic structure in order to destroy democracy from within. In this respect our life as a nation is at stake.
One of our gravest internal problems has become not less; but rather more, acute during the year: That is the confrontation between the secular and the religiously observant among us. The tendency to fanaticism, separatism and isolation is dangerous in the extreme and, if unchecked, might divide us into two camps, almost into two nations. We have no choice but to meet each other half way and to search for ways leading to communication, understanding, reconciliation. We dare not permit this inner polarization, and, whatever the price, we must prevent the development of that destructive malady known in the history of our people groundless hatred and civil strife.
On the eve of our thirty-eight Independence Day let us find inspiration and a source of pride in the national structure we have built. Despite all faults, defects and problems, this is a dream that has come true. The vision burned in the soul of our scattered people for two thousand years, and it has been granted us to see its realization. There is much that we must yet do to develop the State of Israel, to make its society a model of justice, to bring large-scale aliya to it, to assure peace within it and on its borders. Yet we have every right to be proud today. I travel throughout the length and breadth of the country and continually re-discover its positive aspects, its beauty, its energy and creativity, its splendid younger generation, native-born and those who came from all the countries of the dispersion. All of them jointly, naturally and proudly bearing that name so rich in history and values - Israel. As our flag flies among the flags of the nations and our national hymn, in hope of return and freedom, is heard, let us honor and cherish the symbols of our independence.
When I remember the beginnings - our desperate situation on the day the establishment of the state was proclaimed; Jerusalem besieged, starved, thirsty; the Negev and Western Galilee cut off; the fall of the Etzion Bloc, the invading armies of the Arab states attacking and poised at the heart of the country - all that we have passed through since then and up to now - when I remember all this, I cannot but give thanks to the Rock of Israel. In the light of our past I am certain that we will stand up to every challenge, overcome every difficulty and advance towards a glorious future for the State of Israel.
As Independence Day opens, let us send all blessings and appreciation to our soldiers and security personnel. Let us remember our oppressed brothers wherever they are. Let us pray for the redemption of our captives, the healing of all the ill and the wounded, and good tidings for the families of the missing.
For all the House of Israel a happy Independence Day, a good and blessed year of freedom!