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Mr. President and Mrs. Katsav,
Dear Families,
Distinguished Guests,
Since the beginning of the Zionist movement, the Jewish community faced, as the State of Israel now faces, waves of hostility, war and terror. Harassment, attacks and acts of murder never ceased through all these years. No one knows better than you how deep the grief is and how profound the pain. However, the march of Zionism did not stop for even one second. In spite of those who hate us, the State of Israel was established, was victorious, grew in strength, and is stronger and more steadfast than ever.
We have prevailed, but we do not seek war, rather we desire peace. We hope that other families in Israel will never feel the sorrow and pain which you, the bereaved families, experience. In one hand we hold the sword to repel and eliminate any plot against the State of Israel and its citizens. Our other hand is at the same time extended in peace, friendship and neighborliness. This year, the hope is more real, but the path is still long and strewn with obstacles. We will proceed cautiously and determinedly: we will not compromise on our security, but we also will not forgo peace. We will not wait for the hour to arrive, rather we will make every effort to bring it closer.
The revival of the State of Israel and the building of Jerusalem, united eternally, in our time are the realization of a generations-long dream, of the vision of prophets, of prayer and our hearts’-desire. We will give thanks tonight that we were fortunate to envision, and take part, in the return to Zion, the settlement of the land, the revival of Israel and the victory over our enemies.
However, we do not approach Independence Day on a secular note. We approach it only after the purification of the soul which comes with the Memorial Day for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and the Victims of Terror. We approach it with a combined feeling of shared remembrance and unity. We approach it while mentioning on this festive occasion the cost of liberty; liberty bought for us by the pure blood of the fighters in Israel’s battles and of the victims of terror who fell at the hands of killers crazed with hatred. We approach the gates of Independence Day today united and arm-in-arm, and with us are the families who lost their loved ones in our joint struggle for existence, security and peace.
Dear Families,
When the shadows of evening begin to fall, together we will cross the threshold between Memorial Day and Independence Day. We will remember the fallen with love, and we will strengthen you with our compassion.
Together, with pride and courage, we will raise the blue-and-white flag high on the flagpole. The strength to wipe the tears of our sorrow and carry the torch onward is our ultimate answer to all foes and enemies.
May the souls of your loved ones – our loved ones – be forever bound to the life of Israel. May their memories be blessed.
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