Israel's 45th Independence day was celebrated in a somber mood due to the wave of violence of the previous month. There was, however, optimism on the eve of the resumption of the peace talks in Washington. The state president recalled the country's achievements and agony in its years of existence and restated Israel's mission, that of "large immigration, economic independence and the building of an exemplary society - grounded on social justice, tolerance and pluralism, with a high standard of culture and loyal to the universal vision of the prophets of Israel to be a "light unto the nations." Text:
Citizens of Israel,
The Day of Remembrance for the fallen of our wars has ended and the 45th Israel Independence Day has begun. The juxtaposition of these dates is difficult and painful, the transition is too sharp and immediate - from agony to joy, and from mourning to festivity. Yet there is great symbolism to this. Even on our day of joy, we carry in our hearts those who have enabled us to celebrate - as sovereign and free people - our independence. Our hearts are with the bereaved families and with the families of those whose loved ones were slaughtered in terrorist activities.
. The 45 years of the State of Israel are only a short moment in the life of a nation whose history numbers thousands of years. It would seem that - since the exodus from Egypt, and the destruction of the Temple and the [ensuing] exile - there have not been any 45 years so revolutionary and significant in the life of the Jewish people. 45 years which have taken such a large toll on the condition of our nation, and which have - once again - placed it on the stage of world history, and at its center.
It is sufficient to return to 1948 for a minute - a time when the fate of the entire nation hung in the balance. To besieged and shelled Jerusalem, with graves dug in its courtyards. With each family taking a small piece of bread and pail of water per day. The convoys that fell, the blood-soaked battles at the radar posts and the Castel, at Latrun and San-Simeon. The Jewish Quarter which surrendered. The cut-off and surrounded communities of the Galilee and Negev. The fall of Gush Etzion. Mishmar Hayarden which was destroyed. The invasion of the Arab Legion and the Iraqi military in the east, the Syrians and the Lebanese in the north, and the Egyptian army in the Negev, the coastal plain and the Judean hills approaching Jerusalem.
If we recall this, we will know to appreciate the challenges and difficulties we have met and overcome - and how the difficulties of today are miniscule and pale in comparison to them.
We were then a small community of 600,000 people defending - with our bodies - against the invasion of seven standing and organized Arab armies, in addition to gangs. 6,000 fighters and civilians fell in these battles; one percent of our population. It would compare to having lost about 50,000 people today. Then, the Jewish community knew a war of survival was at hand. The pain was great, but trepidation and fear did not affect us. Our people was determined, ready to fight and support its brave leadership.
I, who - like many of my generation - experienced the days of 1948, as well as the difficult and trying first years of the State of Israel, cannot cease admiring the accomplishments we have achieved since then in all areas of our lives. Still, owing to heavy involvement with problems and distress - which certainly exist, some even very dangerous and severe - our attention is diverted from the great successes and achievements.
We are facing a difficult security challenge. Various terror activities, stabbings, attacks with live weapons and clashes with the Arab population in the territories. All these are actions which endanger personal security, and come to sabotage and disrupt the peace process.
All the branches of the security forces - the IDF, the police, the Border Police and the GSS - are struggling, day and night, with these phenomena. Their untiring efforts allow us to continue conducting the routine of daily life.
It is of little comfort that the number of victims does not come close to the number of superfluous casualties on the thoroughfares of Israel and at places of work and a result of negligence and a lack of consideration. Our enraged responses over the loss of dear life in terrorist actions is understandable, but we are unjust in the forgiveness and indifference we demonstrate toward losses in work accidents and on the roads of Israel.
There exists among us today some extent of a handicapped environment, sometimes exaggerated. Our sages have already stated: "Israel has been compared to dust and to the stars - when they descend, they descend to dust; when they rise, they rise to the stars." Throughout the years of the state, we have known heights and despair. What is required from us now is the proper proportion, perspective and a sobering look at the Israeli reality - not just shadows, but manifold light. Not only failures, but immeasurably large accomplishments. Not only liabilities, but assets many times greater.
The State of Israel has not abandoned, and must not abandon, its mission and its aspiration for large immigration, economic independence and the building of an exemplary society - grounded on social justice, tolerance and pluralism, with a high standard of culture and loyal to the universal vision of the prophets of Israel to be a "light unto the nations." But, above all else and as a superseding condition, we must not stray from our faith in peace and the drive toward its attainment despite all difficulties.
We will realize the motto of "seek peace and pursue it." Indeed, it appears that the hope for peace has grown stronger. If the internal security threats have increased, they have increased owing to those who wish to frustrate this hope - we will not let them achieve their goal. This is a protracted struggle of faith and stamina which binds us all.
And, within this struggle, a no less demanding challenge faces us: the preservation of democracy and its creativity. It is a formidable test for us and, until now, we have risen thereto with honor - to preserve our democratic character within the confines of the national dispute over peace and security.
We are a free country and everyone has the right to express their opinion. During every period of stress in the past, we have known to unite. The idea that there are those among us who are more dedicated to national security than others is fundamentally false. Just as the idea that some are more prepared to sacrifice than others is untrue. Different political positions do not attest to greater desire to sacrifice, greater loyalty to nation and state or greater willingness to bear the burden than those with other views. Such an approach has never been acceptable in the past and must not be accepted today either. It must be opposed just as the inclination to divide the nation must be opposed.
With soul-searching and self-criticism, the balance tips toward the positive side - and we should stop for a moment and be proud of it. We have a beautiful and attractive country and a wonderful nation, prepared for all efforts. Despite all our problems, we are a free, democratic people with a glorious judicial system. People come from the ends of the earth to see our accomplishments in science and research, agriculture, in technology and medicine. Everywhere, I see creativity, enthusiasm, dedication, care and pride. We are privileged to see the fruits of 45 years of independence.
It has been a great honor for me to serve as president for the past ten years. These have been years of profound permutations within the Jewish world and dramatic changes around the whole world and in our region. During my tenure, I have seen from up close the difficulties and challenges, and the weaknesses and deficiencies - but also the awesome achievements in the areas of society, culture, economics, foreign relations, education, science, law and all fields of our lives. I thank the Master of the Universe for granting me the wonderful privilege of heading a state with so much light.
We have one small and precious country - let us preserve it. Let us not risk any harm to our moral image. Let us not agree to the dishonor of the values which the symbols of the state represent.
Today, we are in the middle of the peace process and there [is no other nation] who, like this nation - which, only yesterday, visited the crowded military cemeteries - is aware of the beauty of peace and the fateful importance of its attainment in our distressed region.
In the name of all Israel, I wish a happy holiday to IDF soldiers, the officers of the Israel Police and the Border Police, and the members of the security branches and the intelligence community. We all draw strength from them. Wishes for a full recovery are sent to all wounded and sick - as well as a prayer for freedom and good tidings for our captured and missing soldiers, and their families.
From here, the holy city of Jerusalem, I say to all of Israel: let us wave our flag and the miracle of our independence with pride, let us celebrate our Independence Day and look toward our 45th year of independence with faith and confidence that with the help of God - it will also be a year of peace.
Happy Independence Day to all.