Netanyahu recalls ‘moment of triumph for our people’ on Independence Day

“It was a moment of triumph for our people,” Netanyahu declared in his address on the 69th anniversary of the Jewish state.

The establishment of the modern Jewish state in 1948 was “a moment of triumph for our people,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video message Monday evening on the occasion of Israel’s 69th Independence Day.

“We had been scattered around the world for millennia. And then we returned to our ancient homeland to build a safe haven, where we could live and thrive,” he said.

“Many doubted that this tiny state of Israel would survive. We were surrounded by hostile enemies, who attacked us again and again. So perhaps, for some, this skepticism was warranted. But survive we did. Much more than that. We thrived,” he declared.

“And I have no doubt that in the coming 69 years, Israel will continue to thrive, be strong and prosperous,” he added.

Furthermore, “Our story is a story of hope, not just for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity,” the Israeli leader said. “Anyone fighting for a just cause…could draw inspiration from our story.”

Rivlin: ‘We Celebrated a Hope Which Became True’

President Reuven Rivlin, in his own video message, recalled that “69 years ago, in the moments just after [Prime Minister] 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.”

Israel is “a shrine of freedom of expression, and a hub of innovation,” Rivlin stated.

By: World Israel News Staff