Distinguished Guests,
The annals of the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Israel who passed away are fascinating in their historical complexity. Their histories are often intertwined, assembling the story of the revival of the people of Israel in their homeland. Before they had any titles or official positions, these people fought and struggled, confronted and loved, and dedicated their lives to the revival, development and prosperity of Israel. Their star shone and then faded – as is the way of the world.
Presidents Weitzman, Ben-Zvi, Shazar and Herzog, and Prime Ministers Ben-Gurion, Sharet, Eshkol, Mrs. Meir, Begin and Rabin left behind personal and national legacies, which should be taught and remembered.
The main burden of commemoration is carried by family members and a handful of dedicated people, through associations and commemoration centers which preserve the writings, memory and activities of Presidents and Prime Ministers who are no longer with us, in order for them to be inscribed in the history books of the State of Israel.
I am very concerned that the day will come when the families will no longer be able to shoulder the burden of commemoration. It is for this reason that I have instructed the Council for the Commemoration of Presidents and Prime Ministers, which works under the jurisdiction of my office, to prepare a working plan to regulate, officially and legally, the commemoration of Presidents and Prime Ministers of Israel.
This year’s award for the commemoration of Prime Ministers of Israel who passed away is dedicated to the 6th Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Menachem Begin, of blessed memory. I am pleased to grant this award to Prof. Yechiam Weitz, for his book on the Herut Movement, and to Harry Hurwitz, for lifetime achievements.
Harry Hurwitz accompanied Menachem Begin for many years, and after his passing, established, together with others, the glorious enterprise of the Center for the Commemoration of the Legacy of Menachem Begin, which I had the honor to inaugurate last year.
At this time, when Israeli society faces one of its most difficult tests, Menachem Begin’s decree is worth remembering: “a war between brothers – never!”.
Menachem Begin’s prudent leadership, which saw the whole picture, the good of the nation and the future of the nation and its residents, prevented a civil war at the dawn of our independence.
Years later, these moving words were written by Begin in this regard:
“Sometimes the choice is between tears or blood.
Sometimes, as the rebellion against our oppressor taught us, it is necessary for blood to prevail over tears;
Sometimes, as Altalena taught us, it is necessary for tears to prevail over blood”.
I hope that these words will guide us all in the coming weeks and months.
Today, a week after the first of Nissan, the Rosh Hashanah for the Kings, we cherish and remember those who carried the scepter of sovereignty and led the people of Israel in modern times.
On behalf of the Government, I reiterate our commitment to commemorate Presidents and Prime Ministers who passed away, and pledge to assist those who are charged with this task.
May the State of Israel remember – and cherish.