|
Prime Minister Sharon Addresses the United Jewish Communities Jerusalem------September 30........Shanah Tova. I very much wanted to be with you personally in New York today but regrettably I was unable to leave Israel. Charles Bronfman, Larry Silverstein, Corky Goodman, Robert Schrayer, Lester Crown, Sallai Meridor, and of course Max Fisher, and all of the distinguished guests. I wish to send you special greetings from Jerusalem, the capital of the Jewish people for the last 3000 years and of the State of Israel for the last 53 years and forever. But allow me first to send my condolences to the people of the United States, its Government, and President Bush at this difficult moment. The leadership of President Bush and the US is so important to the Free World at this critical moment. We stand as one with the American people. I want to send special greetings to my good friends Mayor Guiliani and Governor Pataki whose handling of this crisis has inspired us all. We have been struggling against terrorism for many years and we know very well how the American people feel today. Following this horrible terrorist attack we are facing a worldwide struggle of the free world against the forces of evil and darkness. Israel will provide any assistance to the United States in its international fight against terrorism. The attack in the United States was an attack against the common values and spirit of freedom and democracy that Israel shares with the US and with Democratic Nations. And I believe that this spirit and these values will prevail and win in the upcoming struggle. In the past year Israeli citizens have faced an unprecedented wave of terrorism. This campaign of violence came after the Palestinian Authority rejected Israel's extraordinary offer. Chairman Arafat made a strategic decision to choose the path of violence and terror. We learned very quickly that the Palestinian Authority, and its leaders established a coalition of terrorist groups including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hizbullah, Tanzim, Fatah, and his own Presidential Guard - Force 17. Israeli civilians and cities have become targets of bombing and suicide bombers. The world now realizes that terrorism must be stopped. What starts in one region quickly spreads around the world. We must remind ourselves everyday that Israel is the only place in the world where Jews have the right, capability, and duty to defend themselves by themselves. For that we have to thank G-d everyday. If we stand united by this right of Jews to defend themselves in their homeland we can stand up against terrorism and help the worldwide coalition and the US in their quest to win this war. We all want peace in Israel and we are willing to make painful compromises but it must be peace that lasts for generations. The Palestinians have not recognized our right to live in our homeland. The Palestinians must accept Israel's right to exist in its homeland. We can all be proud of the Partnership that exists between Israel and Jewish people. By working together we are building our homeland for future generations. One of the main goals of my Government is Aliya. Now is the time for Jews to move to Israel and that is our goal. We expect that by the year 2020 the majority of Jews in the world will be living in Israel. This goal is within reach, together, with your support, we can accomplish it. We have a long road ahead, but if we remain united in this strategic partnership, we can overcome all the challenges facing us. I believe that together we can look forward optimistically. Please remember, we need you. With your ongoing support and solidarity we can realize all our dreams. We can achieve lasting Peace with security and make Israel the homeland for every Jew. Thank you and Shanah
Tova. |