Monday 27 April 2009

NEVER AGAIN!!!!
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[IMRA:  The message was also in Russian but techical difficulties prevent
distribution via IMRA server)

Independence Day message from FM Liberman

27 Apr 2009
I would first and foremost like to share with you my deepest and most
sincere desire for security, peace, and the wellbeing of the Jewish people
throughout the world.

Israel Independence Day Message from Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of
Foreign Affairs
Mr. Avigdor Liberman to the Jewish Communities
As we stand and celebrate our freedom and our 61 years of independence, I
would first and foremost like to share with you my deepest and most sincere
desire for security, peace, and the wellbeing of the Jewish people
throughout the world.

Sixty-one years ago, the declaration of independence unified the Jewish
people, both in Israel and in the entire world, and every other nation that
supported the idea of a reborn Jewish state. The spirit of the Jewish people
helped us win the War of Independence and establish the State of Israel, and
helped us prevail against those who wished to destroy us.

We have paid a high price to keep our independence.  I am referring to
almost a dozen wars and thousands of terrorist attacks that have caused
nearly 25,000 casualties as well as thousands of wounded. The price we have
paid has strengthened our resolve to overcome our enemies and we are more
than ever committed to protect citizens of Israel wherever they live.
Now is the  time for unity, both at home and abroad, because only together
we will be able to face the threats posed by terrorism, anti-Israeli hatred
and antisemitism.

We must act together and in solidarity in order to ensure the continuation
of the Jewish people's rights, vigor, and role in contributing to the
improvement of the world we live in.

Despite its small size, Israel is a country with huge potential and
incredible achievements. Israel has proven that it has become a global
pioneer in a number of fields, from science and the economy to international
cooperation, and a vibrant democracy through its freedom of speech and
freedom of religion.  Together, the State of Israel and the Jews of the
Diaspora have an enormous inherent potential to contribute to the advancing
of prosperity on a global scale, and can consolidate Jewish existence, based
on our heritage, values, and respect and dignity for all.

It is certainly a must to promote peaceful discourse among ourselves and
genuine peace with our neighbors. Simultaneously, we must take those
measures that are necessary for safeguarding Jewish life wherever it may be,
Israel's security, and the rights of the Jewish people in its homeland. We
must encourage and support the next generation of Jewish leadership because
since the establishment of the State of Israel, we have been partners in the
Zionist enterprise, and we must now be partners in leading our people to a
vibrant and brighter future.

On a personal note, I can tell you firsthand about the fortitude of the
Zionist enterprise and I would like to invite each and every one of you to
join us here in Israel, where we absolutely believe in dreams and make them
come true.

I look forward to meeting with you in your communities and here in
Jerusalem, the eternal and undivided capital of the State of Israel and the
Jewish people.

Hag Sameah!
Sincerely,
Avigdor Liberman
* * *
State of Israel's 61st Independence Day Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's
Message to Diaspora Communities
27 Apr 2009

Today, Israel celebrates its 61st birthday. Each year that we mark the
rebirth of the Jewish state after long centuries of exile is a great cause
for celebration.
After centuries of powerlessness, the Jewish people returned to the stage of
history and to their rightful place among the nations. With the rebirth of
Israel, we were once again able to chart our own destiny and determine our
own future.

The past 61 years show just what a free and independent Jewish nation can
achieve. With scarce resources, we brought a barren land back to life and
absorbed millions of immigrants. Through innovation and determination, the
genius of our people has made us a leader in agriculture, medicine and
science, while our creativity spawned a high-tech industry that continues to
amaze the world. We have achieved peace with Egypt and Jordan and we will
continue to seek peace with all our neighbors.

All this has been achieved even though Israel has lived under constant
threat for 61 years. Unfortunately, Israel remains under threat. An Iranian
regime that is feverishly pursuing nuclear weapons brazenly calls for our
destruction. Terror organizations on our southern and northern borders grow
stronger by the day. And a rising tide of anti-Semitism is sweeping the
civilized world.

To address these challenges in the years ahead, unity among our people, both
inside and outside Israel, will be more important than ever. That is why it
is vital that we continue to strengthen the bonds between Israel and the
Diaspora. These bonds are a source of mutual strength and a powerful
reminder of the unique role that Israel plays in the world and in the
history of our people.

On this Independence Day, let us take pride in all we have accomplished and
let us look forward to a time of security, prosperity and peace. If we stand
together as brothers and sisters, if we stand together with courage and
conviction, that time will surely come.

Chag Sameach!
Sincerely,
Benjamin Netanyahu