Independence Day marked in N.Y.

The State of Israel held its official government Independence Day celebration Tuesday night in New York City. The annual gala, attended by Jewish leaders and representatives of scores of countries and hosted by the heads of Israel’s diplomatic mission in New York, featured remarks by Israel’s consul general and its United Nations ambassador. Consul General Arye Mekel told the gathering that while the news of the day is sometimes disheartening, there is much good news coming from Israel today, particularly regarding its robust economy. “We hope that as we approach Israel’s 60th anniversary, we’ll also be able to renew the peace process and hopefully have peace with more neighbors, following the agreements with Jordan and Egypt, which have been very successful,” Mekel said.