Yom Ha’atzmaut
Yom Ha'atzmaut messages from federal and state leaders.
Federal and state leaders have shared their messages honouring Yom Ha’atzmaut.
MALCOLM TURNBULL, Prime Minister
I AM honoured to be able to offer my good wishes to Australia’s Jewish community as you celebrate the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the modern State of Israel.
The re-establishment of the State of Israel realised a hope for the Jewish people that had been cherished across millennia, wherever those of faith could be found.
In the shadow of the Shoah the nations of the world came together to establish a nation where all Jewish people would be safe from persecution and discrimination. Over the past 70 years, in the face of obstacles and immense danger Israel has flourished into a nation stable, secure and prosperous.
Australia and Israel share common values and common interests. We are both democracies firmly grounded in the rule of law. We value freedom, enterprise and human dignity. The bonds that bind our two nations are not merely superficial conveniences but are the deep and abiding beliefs of our people.
Under my government we have pursued strong ties between Australia and Israel. We have hosted the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister and I, along with Lucy, have made a reciprocal visit to Israel to commemorate the Battle of Beersheba.
As Jewish people in Australia and around the world gather to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, I encourage each of you to be thankful for the blessings we share in this land, as well as for the special history and relationship we share with Israel.
May this special anniversary strengthen those enduring bonds between Israel and Australia as we look forward to the next 70 years of a modern State of Israel.
BILL SHORTEN, Leader of the Opposition
It gives me great pleasure to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Israel’s Independence Day – Yom Ha’atzmaut.
In 2018, Israel celebrates 70 years of Independence, not only as a thriving and vibrant democratic country, but also a global leader in growth and research.
Celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates the formal establishment of the State of Israel.
A nation which rose from the ashes of humanity’s darkest days, Israel has become a nation investing in the most valuable and powerful engine for growth there is: its citizens. In Israel, people just don’t spruik the benefits of research, they don’t just talk, they teach a culture of discovery.
For Jewish Australians there is so much to celebrate. It was Jewish Australians, who helped establish charities, underwrote scholarships, funded university departments, and supported the study of the past from which all understanding in the present and future must flow.
The Jewish Australian community continues to play a leading role in public life.
As the torch is lit on the evening of Yom Ha’atzmaut, let us all be inspired towards hope and prosperity for the years to come and I wish you all a very happy and joyous celebration.
GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN, NSW Premier
IT is with pleasure that I congratulate the NSW Jewish community on Israel’s 70th Independence Day.
Yom Ha’atzmaut is a day of celebration and an opportunity to reflect on Israel’s wonderful achievements over the past 70 years.
Over the course of its history, Israel has transformed into a modern nation and leading innovator. I am immensely proud of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s efforts to develop a closer relationship with the State of Israel.
On behalf of the NSW Government I congratulate Israel on this wonderful occasion and wish a great Yom Haatzmaut for our State’s Jewish community.
LUKE FOLEY, NSW Opposition Leader
AS New South Wales Labor Leader I am proud to be able to extend my best wishes to the Australian Jewish community on the 70th anniversary of the Israeli Declaration of Independence.
Today we celebrate the planting of those initial building blocks, which have now blossomed seventy years later into a society that is a world leader in technology, agriculture, medicine, the arts and environmental sustainability to name but a few of its achievements.
Here in NSW, the Jewish community has made an immense contribution across many fields of our society – from business to academia, to philanthropy and the arts.
NSW Labor stands with you in the quest for peace, freedom, dignity and tolerance. I reaffirm the Labor Party’s strong friendship with the State of Israel and the NSW Jewish community.
DANIEL ANDREWS, Premier of Victoria
IT was so special to return to Israel last year.
We saw modern Israel at its best – welcoming, courageous and forward thinking.
That’s why I was so proud to open a Victorian trade office in the heart of Tel Aviv.
It is the first office established in Israel by any Australian state government and it is dedicated to strengthening our collaboration on biomedical research and innovation.
Because, despite being a tiny country, Israel has become a giant in research and technology. Israelis have built a world leading tech sector in a modern, growing economy.
We have much to gain by working together. And any government I lead will do just that.
A hearty mazeltov on this milestone – Israel’s 70th Yom Ha’atzmaut.
May the next 70 years be filled with peace and prosperity.
And may Victoria and Israel continue to build on our strong and prosperous friendship.
MATTHEW GUY, Victorian Opposition Leader
MY sincere congratulations to the State of Israel on the 70th anniversary of her independence. I join with my Liberal Party colleagues to celebrate this milestone occasion and wish the entire community a hearty mazel tov.
I was fortunate enough to experience the incredibly unique Israeli culture and hospitality first hand during my recent visit to Jerusalem, and it is now clear to me that the State of Israel has overcome much adversity throughout history, yet stands as a beacon of democracy in the Middle East.
The strong link between Victoria and Israel is evident in our enduring history of collaboration. I look forward to opening a business office in Jerusalem and solidifying our bond further. I look forward to joining the Victorian community in celebration of the 70th Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach!
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