|
Sarah Ludford MEP with The Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, at the Israel Bithday Rally in Trafalgar Square. |
|
To contact us Phone: 020 8455 5140 Fax: 020 8209 3496 Or emails as under officers (see home page, left hand side). Postal Address LDFI PO BOX 57769 London NW11 1GF |
|
ISRAEL’S 60 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 1948-2008 |
|
On 14 May 1948, Israel declared its independence, following a United Nations vote in favour of the creation of an independent state. Less than 24 hours later, the armies of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq attacked, forcing Israel to defend itself for the first of many occasions. As Israel celebrates her 60th anniversary, there is pride for the achievements that have been made in such a short time and fear for the security threats that remain.
Israel has achieved a great deal in 60 years. The only true democracy in the region, Israel has proportional representation and an active, independent, Supreme Court. Israel’s economy ranks 15th of the most developed world economies with economic growth of 5.2% in 2007. Israel has been active in the field of scientific and technological innovation as well as agricultural and environmental developments - Israel has become a world pioneer in the use of solar energy and is currently supporting a project for widespread use of electric cars.
However, with 1,634 civilians killed in terror attacks over the years there is great disappointment at the failure, of the Oslo process, to bring about a peace agreement with the Palestinians.
Opinion Polls show Israelis place the Iranian nuclear threat at the top of their concerns, as Iran continues its efforts to increase its influence in the region by providing support to strengthen both Hamas and Hezbollah. Despite having withdrawn all settlements and its military from Gaza in 2005, rockets are launched on a daily basis from Gaza into northern Israel. Well over 4000 have fallen since the withdrawal. On Israel’s southern border, concern remains at Hezbollah’s rearmament and the potential threat to Israel’s southern communities.
Last week, Israel’s President, Shimon Peres called for a strong international coalition against Iran. “I am not in favour of a military attack on Iran, but we must quickly and decisively establish a strong, aggressive coalition of nations that will impose painful economic sanctions on Iran," ... “Iran's efforts to achieve nuclear weapons should keep the entire world from sleeping soundly.. ” As should Iran’s role of training and financing terrorists.
Israel’s President, Shimon Peres’ address to the Israeli people on Israel’s Independence Day Dear Friends,
As we stand poised to celebrate Israel’s 60th Anniversary, we can only but look back on our achievements with a great deal of pride. From its inception, practically rising from the ashes of the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust, Israel has had to fight for its survival through 7 wars and relentless attacks on its very existence. Yet we persisted in turning the vision of a homeland for the Jewish people into reality. We have created a model democracy, an independent judiciary system and set ourselves at the forefront of fields such as science and technology, hi-tech, agriculture and medicine, to name but some of the areas in which Israel excels.
But we should not allow ourselves to rest on our laurels. We must seek to educate our younger generation for leadership roles in our 3 Tomorrows: The Israel Tomorrow, The Jewish Tomorrow and The Global Tomorrow. We must bridge the growing social gaps in our country. We must cultivate stronger ties with the Jewish Diaspora and engage the young in these communities to connect with Israel. We must initiate breakthroughs in spheres such as nano-technology, desalination to alleviate water shortages, find alternative sources of energy, green the desert and make inroads in ever more sophisticated medical applications. During these years, we have made peace with Egypt and Jordan and hope that the peace negotiations with the Palestinians will bear fruit.
Shimon Peres President of the State of Israel ____________________
|
