To Israel at 65: May You Go from Strength to Strength

J Street congratulates Israel on Independence Day, marking the 65th anniversary of its modern rebirth as a homeland for the Jewish people, and shares in the happiness of its people in reaching this landmark. The establishment of Israel is the embodiment of an age-old dream and an expression of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination.

Israel’s Declaration of Independence set forth the lofty ideals of establishing a state “based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel.”

During its existence, Israel has achieved much. It has provided a home for refugees and survivors of the Holocaust as well as Jews expelled from Arab countries–and later for Jews emigrating from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and elsewhere. It has established universities and research institutions that are a model to the world. Israeli advances in agriculture are helping to feed people globally, while its breakthroughs in medicine, alternatives energies and information technology are internationally known and admired.

One last great challenge remains–the challenge for Israel to reach peace with its neighbors and achieve a two-state solution that will allow Israelis to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders.

J Street is committed to working with Israelis, Americans and Palestinians to help reach that goal.