Premier Golda Meir sent a message of greetings to world Jewry on the occasion of Israel’s 26th anniversary, to be celebrated Thursday. In her message today. Mrs. Meir said Independence Day was a festival for all Jewry, since 26 years ago Israel made the promise to be “a home and a haven for any Jew, be he in need or not.” She said the establishment of Israel gave a new strength to world Jewry, a strength which was reflected nowadays by the “magnificent awakening” of Soviet Jewry.
“We welcome them home, praying for the day when their numbers will be swelled through free immigration from Russia,” the Premier said. This same right she demanded for Jews living in Arab countries. “subjected to the most brutal humiliation, inhuman acts and outright murder.” She declared that Israel would not tire in its protest “until they are liberated from bondage and threat.” Mrs. Meir expressed the prayer that the sacrifice of fathers, sons and husbands during the recent war would bring Israel closer to a genuine peace with security.
COMPROMISE, YES; CAPITULATION, NO
“Toward this end Israel is prepared to take any reasonable risk and make every credible compromise.” However, the Premier warned that Israel would never bow to aggression, capitulate to unreasonable demands, or compromise on vital security needs. She stated that the stronger Israel was, the greater the likelihood that the Arabs would enter into a peaceful dialogue.
“You, our fellow Jews,” she addressed world Jewry, “are a component of our strength just as Israel is a factor of the universal Jewish spiritual steadfastness. Your support, your solidarity, your understanding, have helped to construct Israel, reclaim its waste places, absorb the refugee immigrants, build its schools and universities, expand its economy and advance its science.”
Mrs. Meir called on world Jewry to rededicate this day of independence to the magnificent historic Jewish enterprise, and in addition– “rededication to the educational needs of our Jewish youth in the diaspora. Only through the deepening and spreading of Jewish education can the young be brought to understand their heritage and faith and thereby discover their rich identity as members of the Jewish people.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
