Statement on Yom Ha-Zikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut

May 9, 2011

J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami released the following statement as those in Israel mourn the fallen on Yom Ha-Zikaron (Israeli Remembrance Day), and begin to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day):

J Street mourns together with the people of Israel the state’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror.

We also proudly celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, joining with the Israeli people in honoring the country’s founders and celebrating its innumerable achievements and successes.

On these important days, we note as well the serious challenges this moment poses to fulfilling the vision of Israel’s founders of a secure, democratic Israel that is the national home of the Jewish people.

In the coming year, Israelis have the opportunity to complete the work of the country by establishing secure, internationally-recognized borders through a two-state resolution to the conflict with the Palestinian people that leads toward full acceptance of Israel by its neighbors in the region.