In video greetings recorded in English, both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin reflected on Israel’s milestone 70th anniversary, saying that the Jewish state is “just getting started.”
“This year Israel celebrates its 70th anniversary. That’s 70 years of freedom, 70 years of democracy, 70 years of bettering the world,” said Netanyahu.
“Israel’s success didn’t happen overnight. Men and women from every walk of life—young and old, Jew, Christian, Muslim, religious and secular, men and women that have worked hard to build our nation.”
Noting the relationships he has built in recent years, such as in Latin American, Africa and Asia, Netanyahu said he is amazed at the appreciation and admiration world leaders have for Israel. “They seek Israel’s technology. They seek Israel’s ingenuity. They seek Israel’s genius.”
Similarly, Rivlin said that during his meetings with world leaders and travel across the world, they all are amazed of what Israel has accomplished in the last 70 years. “All world leaders and representatives from around the world all over one thing in common: They are amazed and have such great appreciation for all that we have achieved in the last 70 years,” he said
Rivlin also took time to give “gratitude to those who lost their lives fighting to defend the land of Israel and the people of Israel.”
Both leaders remarked that they believe Israel will continue to amaze the world for the next 70 years.
“I have no doubt that 70 years from now, Israel will be even stronger, even more prosperous than it is today,” said Netanyahu. “Thank you to our many friends around the world. Happy Birthday, Israel.”