(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

President Rivlin released a greeting in English on the occasion of Israel’s 69th Independence Day.

The President Rivlin on Sunday evening, the eve of 5 Iyar, will speak at the official opening ceremony at the Kosel for Israel’s Memorial Day, in memory of Israel’s fallen servicemen and women. He will then take part in memorial events in the Knesset, and on Monday, at Mount Herzl, will lead the wreath laying ceremony before attending the official remembrance service.

On Tuesday, the President and First Lady will host at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem the traditional Independence Day celebrations, which includes the awarding of the Medal of Excellence 121 to soldiers and officers of the IDF. Also in attendance will be Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkott and other dignitaries and senior past and present political and military figures. The day also includes a reception for Ambassadors to Israel and other members of the diplomatic corps.

In his Independence Day message, President Rivlin said, “Dear friends, in Israel and around the world, happy Independence Day!” He recalled that, “Sixty-nine years ago, in the moments just after David Ben Gurion declared the birth of the State of Israel, we all went out to dance in the streets. We celebrated a hope which came true: to be a free people in our land, in Jerusalem.” He noted, “The Zionist dream has succeeded more than we could have ever hoped,” and added, “Israel today is a strong democracy, a shrine of freedom of expression, and a hub of innovation. My generation, who dreamed to see an Israeli pilot fly above them, got to see Israeli satellites circle the globe. Our young state, in a difficult neighborhood has become a center of learning and doing. The nation that wandered for hundreds of years looking for shelter, has built universities and Yeshivot (schools of Torah study). The people of the Book, in the land of the Bible.”

The President continued to say that, “Yes, the Jewish people came home. But we must remember, that even after it is built a home needs looking after,” and stressed “we will continue to look deep inside ourselves to solve the problems and turn challenges into opportunities. We will continue to uphold our values, which guide us on this path. On this day, on our Independence Day, let us all work to be sure that our national home is a home that looks after the weak, and cares for all its sons and daughters. This is the duty of our leaders, but it is also the duty of each and every one of us.”

The President concluded by noting the importance of the support for Israel offered by so many around the world. He said, “Many of you – in Israel and around the world – give so much to help Israel and Israeli society grow, and we thank you for this from the bottom of our hearts. This is your celebration too, this is the Independence Day of all the Jewish people. Happy Independence Day, and Shalom from Jerusalem.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)