birthright’s 5th Anniversary

Good evening to you all,
I wish to welcome you to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people and the united capital of the State of Israel forever.
I must tell you something: we have some worries here, but when I hear you and see you, I see that we don’t have to worry.  I thank you for that.
Welcome home.
With your permission, I will first say a few words in Hebrew:
[This part was in Hebrew]
I would like to begin my English remarks with a traditional Jewish greeting: Mazal Tov.  Mazal Tov to birthright on the occasion of its 5th anniversary.  Mazal Tov to everyone involved who contributed to birthright.  Mazal Tov to every young Jewish person who, because of Birthright, got to visit the Land of Israel – the only country for the Jewish people.  And Mazal Tov to us, the State of Israel, that welcomes these young people with open arms and great love.
birthright has been one of the most successful Jewish-Zionist projects over the past few years, and will continue to be so in the future.  I am proud to have supported birthright as Prime Minister in its first years, and I am going to continue, I hope for many years to come.
You have come to Israel during an important period for our future.
Today, the State of Israel took a step of great importance for its future.  The Government of Israel approved the Disengagement Plan I presented.  We sent a clear message to the people of Israel, our Palestinian neighbors and the entire world.  Israel is taking its future into its own hands.
The disengagement process has begun.  Today, the Government decided that it is Israel’s intention to relocate all Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip and four settlements in Samaria by the end of 2005. 
Most Israelis understand the great importance of today’s Government Resolution.  It is a resolution that ensures the future of Israel.  It is a resolution that is good for Israel’s security, its international standing, its economy and the demography of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel.
Today’s Government Resolution gives hope to every citizen of Israel.
During the past three and a half years, the terror organizations have tried to break the spirit of the people of Israel.  They did not succeed.  The Jewish people cannot be broken – we will never break.  And I say it again – we will never break.
We held this strong position very much thanks to the assistance of our Jewish brothers and sisters in the Diaspora.  It is important that you know: every visit like yours strengthens Israel.  The 70,000 birthright participants who came over the last 5 years from 40 countries, and the tens of thousands who will continue to visit us in the coming years, strengthen Israel.  Every young person who returns from Israel and tells what he saw on campuses overseas, every young person who takes part in Jewish activities in his community – every young person like this strengthens Israel.
And above all, every young person who makes Aliyah to Israel is the greatest source of strength for the future of the State of Israel.  I call upon you to join us in building the Jewish nation, the only country where Jews can truly live as Jews.  I call on you to make Aliyah.
(Maybe the best thing is that when you are coming here on birthright, you have only a one way here, only to here.) 
Dear Friends,
Israel is a peace-seeking nation.  Today, we passed a Resolution that symbolizes great hope for a future of security and peace.  But, the battle to ensure the future of the Jewish people is not over.  In this campaign, each and every one of you has a part.
The Jewish people need you.  The State of Israel needs you.  We need you.  Today more than ever. 
And I must tell you: we really need you and we are waiting for you here.  And I believe that together with you, we can solve all our problems.  So don’t hesitate and don’t wait.  Come over here, make Aliyah, that is the most important thing. 
Thank you.