Premier Shimon Peres issued the following Independence Day message:
The journey of our people to spiritual and political rebirth in its own land has not all been paved with joy. This is the longest and most revolutionary journey undertaken by any people, any time in the history of mankind. This is a journey which has not yet been completed. While we may perhaps already pronounce the benediction on deliverance, the time is not yet ripe to congratulate ourselves on a task completed.
The journey is not yet over, neither have all the controversies been resolved — firstly, between us here in Israel, and our brethren though-out the world. At the same time, we will continue to maintain the unity of the people — despite its pluralistic character — and will continue to strive to assemble all Jews, from all corners of the world, here in Israel.
It is only in our historic homeland that we have attained national freedom, self-fulfillment and true, unqualified pride and self-respect for every Jew: both as a human being and as a Jew.
We believe that the construct which has been created here in Israel in the last hundred years is not the sum total of declarations or of chance — but, rather, the result of vision, hard work and stubborn principles. Those who remain true to the path of pragmatic Zionism know that this is the most humane course of action the world has ever known… The national unity government has succeeded in halting the inflationary spiral which had threatened to sweep the national economy into the abyss. We are now on the threshhold of a new economic momentum which will comprise the encouragement of exports, the replacement of imports and a structural reorganization of the economy.
On the political level, we have broadened the gateway between Israel and Egypt and–despite attempts to intimidate and terrorize us–both countries remain resolved to deepen the ties between us as a prelude to a comprehensive peace in the region. The Hashemite King has, also, come a long way to meet us on the road to the negotiating table while the PLO continues to prove that it is an obstacle to peace — as we have postulated.
The present government of Israel can also pride itself on the fact that in its time internal tensions in the country have been greatly reduced: between Ashkenazim and Sephardim, between the different political parties, between religious and secular elements, between Jews and Arabs Israel’s image in the world has also improved. Leaders and governments are attentive to our views. They appreciate our firm stand against terrorism; they understand that our continuing struggle here in Israel is based not only on power but, also, on justice.
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.
