The president made reference in his message to the on-going cabinet crisis which continued following the failure of Mr. Peres to form a government without the Likud. It was clear that the concept of a government of national unity has outlived its usefulness in view of the deep divergence of views between Labour and the Likud. The president was wondering if the time has not come to re-structure Israel's political system. He also noted the many achievements of the past year, the 41st of Israel's existence as a sovereign state. Text:
Independence Day is a national festival; joy and grief are bound together in it, as are light and darkness in the nation's life. This is a day of spiritual reckoning, when we reflect upon our achievements and failures, upon the mighty structure we have built, the goals we strive to-reach and the challenges that will yet confront us.
In this last year we have been graced by the occurrence of a miracle: The seated gates which imprisoned our people in the Soviet Union have been thrust open and become gates of hope. Thousands of Jews from every comer of that vast country are making their way home to Israel, and we who have for so many years longed for their coming, receive them with joy and affection. The many volunteers wholeheartedly devoted to their welfare are a source of pride and encouragement, inspiring confidence in our ability to absorb the waves of newcomers. Yet, sadly, even this marvelous hour vouchsafed to us by history is not free of difficulties and shortcomings. The Arab world, to be sure, has united in opposition to aliya - the soul and essence of Zionism but we, for our part, discover shortcomings in our own ranks - unnecessary difficulties, defects, neglect. Inevitably, one wonders how we were not prepared for the massive aliya that we knew to be imminent. We dare not think of their absorption as one of our routine responsibilities. We must see it as the most pressing challenge in our list of national priorities and we must divert to it the energies of our very best people.
Very rarely does history grant us great opportunities. We must recognize its generosity today and exploit it to the full, for we cannot know what tomorrow will bring. One thing is certain: Jewish history will never forgive us if we fail to live up to the greatness of this hour.
During the decade of the eighties our economic situation began to stabilize itself and galloping inflation was overcome. During this last year, however, economic activity has slowed down and unemployment has grown. We must remember that behind the dry statistics there are human beings who have been deprived of the elementary right to work and support themselves - and, what is more, of their pride and dignity. Though there will be economic hardships in the absorption process, experience has taught us that a large aliya activates the national economy, and will provide the basis for, we trust, a major economic revival.
We are witness today to unprecedented political and public confusion: The public is clearly demonstrating its dissatisfaction with what it sees as basic defects in our governmental system. Frustration, anger and protest are not limited to special sectors of our society; rather they are common to the people as a whole and are even echoed within government itself. The political process as it unfolds before us has become unacceptable in the eyes of many. There has almost never been so overwhelming a public protest. The citizen who has the democratic right to choose his representatives freely cannot react calmly when political machinations make an absolute mockery of the principles of democracy and lead to distortions unworthy of a free society.
David Ben-Gurion insisted that our system should be changed since its failure to allow for direct contact between the citizen and his parliamentary representative would bring catastrophe upon us. Who today can in all honesty refute that statement?
The Office of the President is flooded, as never before, by appeals from the concerned public, and I have been visited by representatives for all sectors in our society, all of them profoundly troubled, all of them eager for reform in the system.
I should like to take this opportunity to turn to the heads of our political establishment and urge them not to disregard the voice of the people. As the proverb has it, the voice of the people is the voice of the Lord. It emanates from a profound and sincere urge that must warrant full attention.
In the search for a better system we must remember that our ultimate aim is the development and preservation of democratic values. The demands for change in the system, justified and timely as it is, must find its expression and solution solely in democratic ways. Furthermore, such change is not a magic remedy guaranteed to put an end to all the defects in our public fife; change in the system must be accompanied by change in our norms of political behavior. No system, not even the very best, can operate effectively in the absence of appropriate political culture and behavior on the part of the community and its leaders.
We celebrate this Independence Day in the very midst of a struggle for our right to live in this land, for recognition of the justice of our cause, for preservation of the cherished values of our independence. There is freedom of expression and debate in our society, as it should be. We confront a society also torn by differences of opinion, but overshadowed by the threats of inner terrorism. It is no easy test that faces us. We must muster all our spiritual strength, patience, understanding, ethical legacy. The first obligation of government is the assurance of law and order, while at the same time searching for paths to peace and co-existence. It is our right and duty to ask our security services to carry out their duties faithfully and effectively but with unfailing dedication to humane values, purity of arms and a high standard of discipline.
We are involved in a difficult and complicated peace process characterized by many ups and downs. The threats of terrorism and war have not ceased, but, it should be emphasized, the overall tendency in our region is towards negotiations.
There is a vigorous debate going on in Israel itself and between us and our friends overseas, but the debate is not on the desire for peace - which in fact is common to all. The debate is on the way to advance peace. That way win surely be found, despite the time it may take and the problems involved.
With all our self-examination and self-criticism, we cannot fail to note the strength of the positive in our national balance. We must pause for a moment of gratification. Ours is a beautiful country and a splendid people, ready for all efforts. Despite our problems we are a free, democratic society with an admirable judicial system. Our achievements in science and research, agriculture, technology, medicine, arouse universal interest and respect. Everywhere in the land I note creativity, enthusiasm, devotion, development, pride. It is good to see the fruit of 42 years of independence.
We have one small and precious country. Let us watch over it. Let us not accept infringement of our moral image, nor disrespect for the symbols of statehood - the flag, anthem, uniform, institutions. Above all, we must recognize the fact that if we do not respect ourselves and our independence, others surely will not do so.
Our national independence has been bought with blood. Those who fell in our battles have left us their legacy, demanding of us dedication to life, creation, hope and faith. Of such commandments the Torah portion of the week tells us that "man must live in them."
From Jerusalem, the Holy City, go forth our sincere heartfelt wishes to our soldiers and police and border policemen, as well as to members of the security forces and intelligence community.
From Jerusalem, the Holy City, I would like to say to all our Jewish brethren - let us proudly raise our flag, the banner of our independence, let us celebrate the holiday of our independence, and let us look straight into our 43rd year of independence imbued with faith and confidence.