Yom Ha’Atzmaut greeting from H.E. Ambassador Ron Prosor
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor’s greeting to the Jewish Communities of Great Britain on the occasion of Israel’s 61st anniversary.
Every passing year in the existence of the State of Israel is a cause for celebration, pride and determination. Yom Ha’Atzmaut is an opportunity to reflect on Israel’s achievements and assess the challenges which lie ahead. On a personal note, this is the second time I will celebrate the establishment of the State of Israel, as Israel’s Ambassador to the UK. Throughout Britain, wherever I have been, I’ve been touched by the warmth of the reception, the energy of the Jewish community and the strength of the connections between British Jewry and the State of Israel. Now more than ever, our challenges are shared, our futures intertwined.
Our countries remain bonded by shared values and democratic traditions. We celebrated those values and traditions when Gordon Brown visited Israel and became the first British Prime Minister to address the Knesset. We celebrated them too when President Shimon Peres visited the UK in November and received an honorary knighthood from Her Majesty the Queen.
As a democracy and as a vibrant, dynamic society, Israel is thriving. Economically, Israel is well equipped to withstand the global economic crisis. What we lack in natural resources we make up for through the innovation, ingenuity and creativity of our people. In fields such as nanotechnology, renewable energy and water purification, Israel is at the technological cutting edge. This will not only ensure the continued viability of the Israeli economy but will ensure also that Israel is a driving force in the search for solutions to mankind’s most pressing needs.
Yet we continue to face challenges from the extremism and terror of states and organisations that seek our destruction. Prompted, armed and funded by Iran, Hamas has been terrorising the citizens of the south of Israel with missile attacks for a number of years. Hamas represents the most extreme, brutal and bloody version of Islam. It has held Gaza’s population hostage to its tyrannical rule while attacking ours. Israel was recently forced to take military action to protect its citizens from these attacks. Like any state, the State of Israel has an obligation to defend its citizens.
Israel’s ultimate goal remains the achievement of peace. Yet the challenge of extremist terror cannot simply be wished away. These challenges are set to intensify yet further if Iran’s race to a nuclear weapon is not halted. In the interests of all who seek stability, progress and peace in the region, the international community must step up its efforts to prevent a nuclear Iran.
When the citizens, safety and reputation of Israel are under attack, then the same is true for Jewish communities everywhere. Those who demonise and delegitimise the State of Israel, also attack the identity, safety and security of the vast majority of Jewish people throughout the world. Earlier this year, when Israel took action to defend our citizens, this community proudly lent its voice to Israel’s call for peace. In Trafalgar Square, in Manchester and elsewhere, British Jews stood tall in solidarity with their Israeli brothers and sisters.
As we celebrate the 61st anniversary of the State of Israel, the Jewish People continue to face enormous challenges, not least the pursuit of peace with our neighbours and security for our citizens. Yet today, we face those challenges as a free people, with a thriving state within our ancient homeland, ready, willing and able to defend our freedom from those who would take it away.
I wish you all a Yom Ha’Atzmaut sameach!
Ron Prosor
Ambassador of Israel to the Court of St James‘s
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