From the President of Israel
Dear Friends,
It is my privilege and great pleasure to invite you to join in the festivities
marking Israel's 65 Lh Independence Day. It is a day of joy and celebration,
and a time of immense pride for our country and its people, and for our
brethren overseas, in the remarkable achievements accomplished in just over
six decades, in partnership with you – our extended family.
This is also a time to pay tribute to those who gave their 1iyes to defend our
nation, and to whom we shall be eternally grateful. As a nation and as
individuals, we owe those who have fallen for the sake of freedom and peace
to uphold those values, to defend them with all our might. It is our duty not
only to remember, but to act. A real opportunity for peace exists. The recent
elections, President Obama's visit to Israel and the fast-paced changes which
our region is undergoing all constitute a window of opportunity. It is up to
each of us to seize that oppol1unity and transform it into a new reality for the
benefit of future generations. It is up to you to open the window.
This is no easy task. It calls for courage and pers~verance, and for all our
partners around the world to unite in a common front for change. My
friends, our heritage teaches us that the tenets of justice and peace must be
pursued in order to better the world around us – Tikkun Olam. Together we
can build a brighter tomorrow, a meaningful legacy for the generations to
come, in the Jewish spirit of partnership and mutual responsibility.
Shimon Peres
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From the Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day:
“I would like to extend my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.
“Israel, like Canada, is a great nation, and like Canada, Israel serves as a beacon of hope in an uncertain world. That is because it has as its foundation the universal values that our two countries share; freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
“However, unlike Canada, Israel remains threatened by groups and regimes that deny its very right to exist. And yet, through centuries of struggle, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have endured. And endure they must, for the consequences of failure are great and far reaching. If one free and democratic society is threatened, all are at risk.
“As you celebrate the first 65 years of the State of Israel, know this: Canada is your partner, Canada is your friend, and Canada stands with you.
“Happy 65th anniversary!
“Shalom!”
Stephen Harper
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From the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism
“Today we celebrate 65 years of Israel’s independence. The 1948 Declaration of Independence by future Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion marked the Jewish people’s realization of self-determination in their historic homeland.
Jason Kenney
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From the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
Today we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with our Israeli friends and Jewish communities both here in Canada and around the world.
Canada is proud to have recognised Israel’s independence on May 14, 1948, and of our shared commitment to peace and democracy, both of which have led to an enduring bond of friendship between our peoples. Today also marks an occasion to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural fabric that the Jewish community has contributed to our country.
Canada must continue to work with our allies and partners in the region to ensure that Israel’s sovereignty and security are respected. The Liberal Party of Canada remains steadfastly committed to Israel’s right to exist and prosper within secure and recognised borders. We are particularly encouraged by the renewed efforts of late towards a comprehensive peace process.
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I would like to extend my very best wishes to the entire Jewish community celebrating the 65th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach!
Justin Trudeau