Video Message of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to the General Assembly of the United Jewish Communities
Washington D.C., 11 November 2001
Good evening,
I am pleased to send you greetings from Jerusalem, the eternal
undivided capital of the Jewish people. I had planned to be with
you at this very important gathering of the United Jewish
Communities, but I am sure you understand that security
considerations and the pressing national economic issues require
my presence at home.
We live in the most trying of times. After September 11th the
world, as we knew it, changed forever. The attacks in New York,
Washington and Pennsylvania were direct assaults on freedom and
democracy everywhere.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - which the free world
has almost taken for granted - are under attack by the forces of
darkness. But they will fail to break the spirit of liberty
worldwide.
The people of Israel share in the grief of the families who lost
their loved ones. We stand as one with America. I salute the
bravery of the firemen, the policemen and the rescue teams - who,
in the face of death, continued to fight to save lives.
On behalf of the State of Israel, I applaud the President of the
United States, George W. Bush. His leadership, courage and
determination in this campaign against terror are an inspiration
to us all. I also wish to recognize the outgoing Mayor of New
York City, my friend Rudolph Giuliani, who has proven that the
values of freedom and democracy are not for sale. Best wishes
also to newly elected Mayor of New York, Mr. Michael Bloomberg. I
can appreciate the vast challenges that lie ahead, and let me
assure you of my unwavering support.
The struggle against terrorism is also Israel's struggle. As
President Bush told Congress: "Every nation, in every region, now
has a decision to make, either you are with us, or you are with
the terrorists."
Mr. President, Israel is your ally. Israel has been fighting
Arab terrorism for a hundred and twenty years. Now, for more than
a year, we have been facing a deliberate campaign of terror and
incitement launched by the Palestinian Authority. Despite all
this look at what we have accomplished, a vibrant democracy, the
absorption of millions of immigrants, first-class technological,
educational and scientific infrastructures. All this while
holding a sword in one hand and building the country with the
other.
Looking ahead to the future we must work together - Jews in
Israel and Jews in North America - to continue building our
homeland. Our ongoing partnership continues to ensure the future
of the Jewish people.
Today, our most vital mission is to bring one million more Jews
to Israel over the next decade. As a part of this effort, we
announced the commitment of our government's resources to the
National Ethiopian Project, a program that will integrate these
immigrants into Israeli society. We took this step knowing that
we can rely on you.
We need your help. But more importantly, we need you now. If you
can't live in Israel right now, then visit Israel. Come on a
mission. Send your children to study. Take a vacation here. It
strengthens your bond with Israel and our bond with you.
Israel is a peace-seeking nation. I have fought in all of
Israel's battles and seen the horrors of war. For this reason, I
can truly appreciate the value of peace.
For true peace, I am ready to make painful compromises - but it
must be genuine peace that will last for generations. I will not
make compromises on the survival and security of the State of
Israel and its citizens. The Jewish people have only one small
country - the only place in the world where they have the right
and the capability to defend themselves by themselves. We must
preserve this for the sake of every Jew around the world and for
future generations. This is not just our right, it is our
duty.
Our common heritage and destiny have fostered our partnership.
Mutual responsibility has sustained us throughout the ages.
Through your support - moral, financial and emotional - we made
Israel the source of strength to the Jewish people. The projects
you support help bring life to our people and to our land. Your
solidarity missions and visits are a source of confidence and
strength. It helps us and it helps you.
We have seen wonderful results from the Birthright program.
Thousands of young Jewish people visit Israel for the first time
and return to their communities inspired.
For many generations an independent strong democratic Jewish
State was considered by many an impossible dream. Yet, united in
our belief in the spirit and destiny of the Jewish people, we
turned this vision into a reality. I believe that with the same
spirit, the same Jewish heritage and wisdom of four thousand
years, and most importantly with our unity we can realize what
Herzl said: "If you will it, it is no dream" - and bring peace
security and prosperity to the Jewish people.
Thank you and Shalom from Israel.