Prime Minister Joins Jewish Community For Israel 60 Celebrations
PRESS RELEASE
London,
8th May 2008
PRIME MINISTER JOINS JEWISH COMMUNITY FOR ISRAEL 60 CELEBRATIONS
The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, participated in a celebratory service with over 1000 members of the Jewish community last night to mark Israel's 60th anniversary.
At the event at Finchley United Synagogue, organised by the United Synagogue and youth movement Bnei Akiva, the Prime Minister spoke of his admiration for Israel's incredible achievements over the last 60 years and expressed sympathy for the difficult times the Israeli people have faced since its creation. Speeches were also made by the Israeli Ambassador, HE Mr. Ron Prosor and also by the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, who highlighted the struggle faced by the Jewish people to realise the dream of returning to Israel.
The Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations were preceded by a Yom Hazikaron service, where members of the community, including Lady Sacks, wife of the Chief Rabbi, and Henry Grunwald, President of the Board of Deputies, lit candles to remember Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terror. The service also marked the conclusion of Tribe`s worldwide 60 days for 60 years: Israel project.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister referred to the creation of the State of Israel as “one of the greatest achievements of the 20th Century.” He added: “I was brought up, inspired and moved by the courage and resilience of the Jewish people.”
“Israel became and it remains a pluralistic society where politics are hard fought and democracy never abandoned. It is a country that has become, even facing difficulty and struggle, a world leader in science and innovation and is developing a thriving global economy.
“Britain will continue to be a true and constant friend of Israel in good times and in bad. We will never reduce our efforts to secure for Israel, a future free from terror, a future where alongside a viable Palestinian state, children and the children of all your neighbours can believe in a brighter future.
“So let us tonight celebrate a nation that can triumph over attempts at isolation, threats of war, and threats of terrorism and emerge even stronger.”
The Chief Rabbi said: “Israel has turned centuries of grief for the Jewish people into gladness and song. When the State of Israel was proclaimed, it was the end of the nightmare and the fulfilment of our most ancient dream. We thank you Prime Minister for being a true friend of the Jewish people and to the people in the State of Israel.”
HE Ron Prosor said: “Before we celebrate our independence, we remember the people who have sacrificed their lives to make our independence possible.”
“Tonight we make the transition from commemoration to celebration... Israel continues to face challenges but...our soldiers did not die in vain, they died to protect the State of Israel, a country that goes from strength to strength and a country that every Jew in the world has the right to call home. Tonight we celebrate life and the fulfilment of the dream, some 2000 years in the making.”
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