Peres in special Independence Day message: Israel is a miracle in many respects

In his final holiday greeting as president, Peres called on Israelis this Independence Day to “work hard in order to achieve peace with our neighbors."

By JPOST.COM STAFF
President Shimon Peres. (photo credit: Mark Neiman/GPO)
President Shimon Peres.
(photo credit: Mark Neiman/GPO)
President Shimon Peres called on Israelis this Independence Day to “work hard in order to achieve peace with our neighbors.
In a special holiday greeting which he posted on his official YouTube page, the president marveled at the state’s achievements on this its 66th year in existence.
“The dream of founding a state paled in comparison to the State of Israel which has been created,” the president said. “We never dreamed that in the State of Israel there would live 8 million people, and that we would be on the forefront of scientific development, with an excellent army that would defend us, and that we would have such a talented younger generation that strives for peace.”
Peres also hailed the “exceptional brotherhood and partnership” that Israel has shared with Diaspora Jewry.
“In many respects, Israel is a miracle,” the president said. “Today we can and should be proud of our country but we should never be satisfied. Our mission has yet to be completed, and we must work hard in order to achieve peace with all of our neighbors.”
“Peace is a supreme value for the Jewish people and we must attain it as soon as possible,” Peres said. “We must continue to combat anti-Semitism, and to help our brothers emerge from hunger and poverty and to fight for the freedom of others.”
“Today is a happy, proud day for the State of Israel,” the president said. “We must protect our state, and we must continue to dream, for dreams are the best way to create a better reality. If we believe, it will happen.”