This year we celebrate the State of Israel's 50th birthday, a landmark in
our history. I believe we can be proud of our accomplishments in this half
century.
Even before the State was officially declared, we were attacked from all
sides, and most military experts doubted that the new state would survive.
But we have not only survived against great odds. We have performed what
can only be described as a modern miracle. We have gathered millions of
exiles to our land, developed a thriving economy, and attained
international standing in the sciences and the arts, in technology and in
agriculture. With resolve and courage we have proved again and again that
we can defend ourselves against all enemies.
These achievements have convinced our neighbors of our permanence in the
region. Egypt and Jordan have signed peace treaties with us, we have
established relations with other Arab countries, and started a peace
process with our Palestinian neighbors.
There are few sacrifices and concessions Israel is unwilling to make to
achieve peace with all its neighbors. But a fundamental requirement must
be satisfied: security.
This should have been self evident. The very definition of peace includes
the absence of violence and war. Terrorism and threats of violence are
incompatible with the peace process.
Yet many expect Israel to withdraw from areas that are the cradle of
Jewish civilization, to relinquish control over strategic assets, and to
leave itself vulnerable to attack despite the absence of any credible
assurance of security. This we cannot do. To treat the matter of security
lightly is to abdicate our responsibilities as a government. Jews
everywhere must remain united in demanding that security be an integral,
indispensable component of the peace process. Only then can we achieve
real peace.
Ever since the struggling days of the State's beginning, unity has been
our invaluable weapon. And whenever cracks seem to appear in this bond, we
prove time and again that in times of trouble or when facing a national
challenge we set aside our differences and act as one people.
The bond between Israel and the Diaspora is vital to our survival. It is
what gives the Jewish people strength in the present and confidence in the
future.
Not every goal has been attained, not every challenge has been met. As we
mark 100 years of modern Zionism and enter Israel's 50th year we must not
lose sight of the purpose of Zionism: the ingathering of the Jewish people
in the Jewish state.
With Israel's economy developing at an extraordinary pace and with its
standard of living approaching that of the most advanced nations, there is
every reason for Jews everywhere to consider Aliyah. I am certain that a
majority of the Jewish people will be living in Israel by the time we
celebrate the State's 60th anniversary.
We shall also widen the circle of peace to encompass all our neighbors,
narrow the socio-economic gaps in our society, and resolve the differences
between our religious streams.
Let us not rest on our laurels. But let us also view our magnificent
achievements with pride, and feel confident that we will successfully face
all challenges and overcome all obstacles.
We are one people, united forever by faith, history and a shared destiny.
With best wishes for Hag Sameach from Jerusalem, Israel's eternal
capital.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Netanyahu