Greetings from Silvan Shalom,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
to the Jewish Communities in the Diaspora
on Israel’s 57th Independence Day 5765 - 2005
Dear friends,
On behalf of the government and people of Israel, I am pleased to convey to you my warmest wishes on the 57th anniversary of Israel's independence.
This is a day of celebration not only for us here in Israel, but for the Jewish people the world over. Together we celebrate today the rebirth of our nation in our ancient homeland, and we celebrate the great achievements of our people in overcoming the many challenges we face. We celebrate the realization of the dream of generations - to be a free people in our own land.
Particularly this year, as we mark the sixtieth anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camps, the true significance of what it means to have our own state is there for all to see. Today, Israel stands at the forefront of our joint battle against resurgent anti-Semitism, and of the effort to perpetuate the memory of the Holocaust. Our country stands as a permanent guarantee that no such calamity will ever befall our people again.
Yet Israel has always been more than just an answer to the past. Israel has always been, also, a vision of the future.
- A future where Jewish children can grow up free and proud, immersed in their national heritage while enjoying all the opportunities of the modern age, and as full participants in shaping our people's destiny.
- A future where we live in peace and security.
- A future where Israel fulfils the biblical promise, to be a "light unto the nations".
Friends,
With your steadfast help and support, this vision is being realized every day.
Israeli technological innovations are providing solutions for humanity in fields as diverse as mobile communications and cancer research. Israel's foreign aid program provides assistance to more than 100 countries, building skills, capacities and partnerships, that will help bring the benefits of our experience to millions of people. Israel continues to boast the highest number of university graduates per capita, in the world. Indeed, just in the last three years, three Israelis have been awarded Nobel prizes. And, against the background of positive changes in our security and political environment, tourism to Israel is booming once again, while foreign investment and other key economic indicators are also on the rise.
All of these developments could not have occurred without the unstinting and steadfast support of Jewish communities and individuals throughout the world.
For this we express our deepest gratitude to you all, and our firm commitment to continue building the partnership between us. Nor could these achievements have occurred without the courage and dedication of Israel's Defense Forces.
On the day before Independence Day, we mark Israel's Day of Remembrance for the fallen in the fight for our freedom. Even as we celebrate the living dream of Israel - our rebirth and survival - we also bow our heads to honor the many thousands of men and women who paid the ultimate price, so that we may enjoy our freedoms and opportunities.
Dear friends,
This is a time of renewed optimism and hope in the Middle East, and Israel is doing everything in its power to seize this opportunity. We welcome the changes that bring the promise of real progress towards peace with all our neighbors, and we are working proactively to reinforce them. Our efforts to enhance our ties with all of our Arab neighbours are also bearing fruit, providing even greater momentum to our drive for peace.
Our commitment to peace is matched by only two things - our commitment to the security and well-being of each and every one of our citizens, and our commitment to the unity of our people. As we all debate the issues of the day, we must never lose sight of the importance of this unity. It is not only a source of great strength for both Israel and the communities of the Diaspora, but a value in itself, which guides us in all we do. And as we address the challenges of the future with hope and optimism, we also reaffirm our commitment to the values and traditions, which make us one.
From Jerusalem, the eternal and united capital of our reborn state, I send you my best wishes for a happy and joyous, Yom Haatzmaut.
Hag Atzmaut sameah!
Silvan Shalom
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs