Madam Speaker, honorable Knesset, and you – the most important of all – distinguished veterans, heroes and heroines of World War II.

Today we are marking 61 years since the Allied Forces victory over Nazi Germany.  This victory was not only a military triumph, but first and foremost – a moral triumph.  The triumph of freedom over bondage, the triumph of brotherhood over racism, the triumph of the human spirit.  At the same time, our duty will not be fulfilled if we fail to mention the refusal of the Allied Forces to bomb the railways leading to the death camps.

The victory of the Allied Forces prevented the spread of evil throughout the world.  Free nations from across the globe, people of morality and conscience, rose, mobilized and took action.  Today, from this Knesset podium, we salute these fighters, from all nations and countries, and say: thank you. 

Many of these fighters were Jewish.  Some 1.5 million Jews fought among the ranks of the Allied armies and as partisans.  The majority of them fought among the ranks of the Red Army.  Thousands of them fell in fierce battles.  They fought as loyal citizens of their countries, but also as Jews.  They gave their lives to defend the ideals of the free world, but also to ensure the continued existence of the Jewish people.  Today, we know that the best guarantee for that is the establishment of the State of Israel.  I am so happy and proud that representatives of these fighters are here with us today, in the State of Israel.

The small Jewish community in the land of Israel also contributed its share to the battle for world liberty and the existence of our nation.  Over 30,000 young men and women, constituting nearly 7% of the Jewish population in the land of Israel, enlisted in the British army.  The Israeli resistance to the Nazis culminated in the establishment of the Fighting Jewish Brigade – "The Brigade" in mid-1944.  One of its initiators was Moshe Sharett, then head of the political division of the Jewish Agency and subsequently Israel's second Prime Minister.  Upon the announcement on the establishment of the Brigade, Sharett made the following statement in a radio broadcast: "the Fighting Jewish Brigade is the prize for the efforts of the many volunteers, and the triumph of the faith burning in their hearts.  It is the decisive proof that relentless activity pays off, and that there is reward for the stubborn will which continuously strives to fulfill the Jewish soldier's heart's desire – to fight the Germans".  

Veterans were heroes on all fronts.  Many of them became military commanders and leaders who contributed to our people's revival in its land, including two Israeli Presidents, IDF generals – Chaim Herzog and Ezer Weizman, may their memory be blessed.

We cannot but mention the veteran of Israel's wars, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.  I wish to note his profound appreciation of and warm and special attitude towards you, the veterans.  Like him, I too admire you for your assistance in liberating humanity from the Nazi horror and the Axis Alliance, and paving the way to the establishment of the State of Israel.  We are all grateful to you.

Two years ago, here in the Knesset, Ariel Sharon made the following statement: "the historic victory of May 9th will not be complete if the enlightened world does not continue to guard the values for which it went to battle at that time.  59 years after that victory, we derive the strength to persist in the ongoing struggle against racism and xenophobia, and against manifestations of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial".

With the passing of the years, the historical memory becomes distant and obscure.  Therefore, the more time passes, the more we must remind and remember.  Today, I feel the need to make a commitment to the veterans – your actions were not in vain.  The State of Israel is committed to your victory.  The State of Israel is committed to fulfilling the values for which you fought.  The State of Israel is committed to defending any Jew who is persecuted for his religion.  The State of Israel is committed not to allow Hitler and his ilk to repeat their actions.  Never again.

Thank you.