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The Zionist Organization of America joins with all of the Jewish People and supporters of Israel worldwide in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the momentous occasion when David Ben-Gurion on the 5th of Iyar 1948 announced Israel’s independence and read the new state’s stirring Declaration of Independence – ushering in the Third Jewish Commonwealth in the Jewish People’s historic and legal homeland.
Yom Ha'Atzmaut Sameach!
Each Yom Ha’Atzmaut is a day filled with joy as it confirms G-d’s fulfilling His promise to the Jewish People, and the realization of the Jewish People’s right to self-determination. Israel of course has existed for more than 75 years – in fact, Israel was established more than 3,300 years ago – give or take.
We recognize that this date is also the 75th anniversary of America’s recognition of the newly restored Jewish state of Israel, as President Harry S. Truman recognized Israel’s independence a mere 11 minutes after Ben-Gurion’s declaration. The Gregorian calendar that year coincided with May 14.
Israel’s independence also signifies the accomplishment of part 1 of the objective of the Zionist movement – which was the re-establishment of the Jewish homeland in our land. Part 2 remains a work-in-progress: that the Jewish state of Israel remain a strong, secure and thriving nation, with an undivided Jerusalem as its eternal capital, and the rights of Jews to access and worship freely at our holy places.
While Israel’s Independence Day is undoubtedly a cause for celebration, in many ways Israel is still fighting its war of independence, and thus the celebration is somewhat tempered. The same Arab countries that attacked the new state moments after its rebirth still make war against Israel today – despite the existence of peace treaties; the world still works to undermine Israel at the United Nations, in other forums and by helping those committed to Israel’s destruction; and even the United States from time to time – depending on the presidential administration – impedes Israeli efforts to secure its citizens and its borders, and helps those committed to Israel’s destruction, including Iran and the Palestinian Authority.
Israel is one of only two nations in the world today that regularly is the target of missile attacks from beyond its borders (Ukraine is the other one) and Israel is the only country where its right to defend itself and its very right to exist are either called into question, or politicians feel they need to affirm those rights – which does not occur for any other country.
Therefore, Israel Independence Day/Yom Ha’Atzmaut must also be a reminder to re-commit to participating in pro-Israel advocacy. Ways to participate include educating others about the true facts about Israel, Jewish rights and heritage, and the Arab and Muslim war against the Jewish state; engaging in activism to ensure that Israel has every available means to defend itself and its people, working to defeat BDS, and combatting anti-Israel media bias and Jew-hatred and misinformation in schools and colleges; promoting Zionism and explaining what Zionism actually is, defeating efforts to accuse Israel of “apartheid”, explaining that there is no “occupation” and exposing the agendas of the Palestinian Authority and Hamas and ensuring that Iran never achieves nuclear-weapons capability; and finally visiting Israel and supporting the Zionist Organization of America, America’s oldest pro-Israel organization.
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