May 14, 2008

Dear Friend of Israel,

On May 14, 1948, the 5th day of the month of Iyar on the Jewish calendar, Jewish leaders gathered in Tel Aviv to sign the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel - Israel's Declaration of Independence. This extraordinary document states, "By virtue of our natural and historic right and on the strength of the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, [we] hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz-Israel, to be known as the State of Israel."

With this bold declaration, the modern state of Israel was born. And so it is that every year at this time Israel Independence Day is observed. Yom HaAtzmaut, as it is known in Hebrew, falls this year on May 8. It is a day of jubilation — a day for Jews to mark the re-establishment of their sovereign nation after generations of exile, and celebrate the history and accomplishments of the modern state of Israel.

At the very beginning, Israel extended a hand of friendship to neighboring states, encouraging them, as Israel's Declaration of Independence puts it, to "establish bonds of cooperation and mutual help with the sovereign Jewish people." Despite this, most of Israel's neighbors still do not recognize the Jewish state. Some, in fact, are preparing themselves for the day that they can, in the words of the Iranian president, "wipe Israel off the map." Though it is seldom reported outside of the Israeli media, scarcely a week passes without news of another terrorist attack that has been thwarted by Israel. Every day, more missiles are fired at innocent Israeli civilians by terrorists operating from Gaza.

Even in the West, with its values of democracy and personal liberty - values fully embraced by Israel - Israel's legitimacy is routinely questioned in academic circles, on newspaper op-ed pages, and even in some churches. Sixty years after its birth, it seems Israel is still the only nation on earth that is continually called on to justify its existence.

Because of this, Israel cannot afford to forget the threats she faces. She must always be prepared to spread the truth about her ongoing struggle for peace and security, and to confront those who question her legitimacy. But for Israelis and friends of Israel - indeed, for any fair-minded person who values democracy and freedom - Israel Independence Day should be, first and foremost, a day for celebration. On this day, let's thank God for a nation that stands as a beacon of democracy in the midst of authoritarian regimes… for a nation where every day scientific and technological advances are made that benefit the entire world … for a nation that, since its inception, has worked to fulfill the biblical promise, "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn" (Isaiah 60:3).

Today, I invite all of you to offer your congratulations to the Israeli people on the 60th birthday of the Jewish state. We'll take your comments, print them on a scroll, and send them to our Jerusalem office, where they will be put on display. I know the words of Israel’s supporters will send a strong message of congratulations and encouragement -- and I can’t think of a better way for those living outside of Israel to share in the joy of this festive day.

Thank you, my friends, for your continued support of Israel and the Jewish people, and your continued prayers for the peace of Jerusalem.

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President