Who would believe 72 years have passed. I remember, as a child, the days leading to the establishment of the state. They are etched in into my memory.
I remember the reports from the UN on Nov. 29, 1947, the dancing in the streets, and how Jerusalem immediately transformed into a battlefield; the harsh siege on the city, the exciting declaration of statehood on May 15, which was quickly clouded by the news of the fall of Gush Etzion, and later the fall of the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem and the armistice agreements.
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In Jerusalem, the joy was intertwined with grave concern. We felt the fragility of the moment well, knowing we were living history. At every turn, be it happy and festive independence days or harder, somber moments, we've always had the Israeli sense of togetherness and unity.
This sense of togetherness saw us through the pain and lifted up higher in joyous times. Even on this Independence Day, in the shadow of the battle against the coronavirus pandemic that is claiming lives and the economic crisis, we will not forfeit our "togetherness." Not now and not ever. We celebrate together – even from a distance.
The State of Israel is a miracle and a wonder. We created an advanced industry, founded innovative agriculture, which the whole world looks to.
We have created a diverse and rich culture and become a country renowned for its development and invention, its entrepreneurship, technology, medicine, science and research.
We have proven that we are an ancient but innovative nation, a nation that draws its strength from its ancient traditions; a nation that grows and develops daily, even if it means being audacious, taking risks - and winning.
That is why even on this Independence Day, Israelis have managed to prove unparalleled. There is nothing like the Israeli people's solidarity, mutual guarantee, and their willingness to reach out and lend a helping hand.
These days require us to reach out to those who have fallen on hard times. This is the Israeli spirit that allows us to grow from the crises that befall us, to grow again and again, stronger than ever before.
I urge you, members of the public, to buy locally produced goods, to choose Israeli industry and agriculture, to support small businesses and bolster the Israeli economy.
This difficult crisis and our way of dealing with it – members of all sectors and groups in society - proves that the Israeli spirit can also meet this challenge.
This is the spirit that will carry us toward many more good independence days and hopefully, they will find us all in good health, prosperous, and socially cohesive.
Happy Independence Day, my darlings. Happy Independence Day, Israel.
