Our struggle to achieve peace with our Arab neighbors is far from over. As we celebrate the 78th anniversary of our independence, uncertainties loom on all fronts, the imposed truce is fragile, and a resumption of hostilities cannot be ruled out.
However, in order to win a war we must educate officers and soldiers to fight for a just cause, instill principles of courage and patriotic motivation, and instill the idea that the ultimate goal is the pursuit of peace.
Since the terrible massacre of October 7, 2023, there is no doubt that the military successes on all fronts are undeniable and spectacular, but in order to achieve peace with our Arab neighbors we should translate our successes into security advantages and present a pragmatic and viable diplomatic strategy.
In the jungle of the Middle East, we always know how a war starts, but we don't know how it ends. All wars are particularly dirty and increasingly deadly.
As every year, we celebrate Independence Day the day after Remembrance Day for the victims of wars and terrorism, and one week after the Holocaust Remembrance ceremonies. These major events in our people's history will forever be linked and intertwined in our collective memory. They mark both our pain, our suffering, our liberation, and our hope.
Unfortunately, the 78th anniversary of our State is being celebrated, like the previous one, in an atmosphere of gloom, discontent and uncertainty.
In this bleak context, Israeli society is searching for its distinct identity. It is torn apart, wounded between right and left, between secular and religious, Sephardic and Ashkenazi, Arab and Jewish. Sadly, extremists are gaining ground and dictating the agenda. A change of course is urgently needed. We must end the verbal violence between the executive and judicial branches, between elected officials and the military.
Certainly, the disputes between the different tribes of Israel existed long before our Independence, but they risk becoming dangerous because a significant portion of the population no longer trusts the institutions of the State. They no longer respect their heritage, symbols, and ceremonies.
Yet, the overwhelming majority of Israeli citizens are happy and prefer living in their own country rather than abroad. Israelis are always ready to fight, and if necessary, to die for their homeland, provided the cause is just, legitimate, and taken without partisan motives. However, the willingness to sacrifice oneself to defend the homeland no longer possesses the same fervor, that true patriotic impulse full of vitality and energy.
Seventy-eight years after our rebirth in the Land of Israel, we are witnessing a new wavering in the convictions of Israelis, particularly among the pioneer generation and a segment of the youth. Indeed, many remain cynical about our future and are leaving the country to settle abroad. A deep apprehension grips a portion of the population. Among intellectuals, as well as former generals and political leaders, bitterness and disappointment prevail. They present themselves as prophets of doom, predicting the end of the Zionist state, while certain media outlets crudely exaggerate the narrative of events and repeat the same slogans.
It is therefore in these historic days that we should reflect on our rich past, our heritage, become aware of the reality and unite on the way forward.
Let us emphasize that despite all the wars, the terrorist attacks perpetrated since 1948, and the cries of hatred; despite the odious and anti-Semitic propaganda of our enemies and detractors, the attempts at delegitimization, the disinformation, and the cynical criticism of the media, we can be proud of having succeeded in this remarkable adventure.
Proud to have the privilege of belonging to this generation that has seen Israel on the move, the generation that has witnessed the completion of gigantic projects in every sector and field. We have had the privilege of following the adventure of an extraordinary people, capable of performing miracles, of making the desert bloom, of forging a society, renewing a language, building a strong and modern country, despite the numerous difficulties and existential threats. This people is capable of facing all obstacles and uniting. There is no other democracy in the world that fights daily for its very existence.
There is therefore no need to paint a bleak picture. Let us look at the beautiful face of Israel, at the beautiful reality. Certainly, Israel is undoubtedly not perfect, and serious internal problems exist on all levels, particularly within the political leadership. In every democracy, there is always a change of power, and it must be managed in a transparent and legitimate manner. The time is ripe.
The appalling failures of October 7, 2023, must be thoroughly investigated to learn lessons and prevent a repeat of the worst. No political leader, military commander, or high-ranking official will escape justice. It will be relentless.
Since biblical times, the Jewish people have overcome internal conflicts. The combative character of the Jewish state remains vibrant and unique in the world. All attempts to weaken it, whether from within or without, are doomed to utter failure. It is a unique and unifying case in the history of humankind, at a time when peoples of the same religion are tearing each other apart and killing one another in our region.
Yesterday as today, despite great difficulties and crises, we are a people whose overwhelming majority are united, dedicated, and ready to fight for the noble interests of the country. We are proud and satisfied to have accomplished monumental projects and confident that we can meet new challenges.
Everyone in this country has their place in the sun and deserves to live in happiness and dignity. Everyone can achieve a dream, an ambition, a successful career, provided they have an iron will and strong determination. Everything is possible in this country, and the sky's the limit.
Faced with major challenges, we can always count on the support of Jewish communities around the world. We are therefore able to dispel the clouds of gloom and uncertainty. After the grayness of autumn and the cold of winter, spring always arrives.
Let us celebrate together our 78th Independence Day with joy and satisfaction, hoping to meet new challenges and live in brighter days. Our three-thousand-year history and rich experience in Israel teach us to remain optimistic so that we can ensure security and peace for future generations.
