Solidarity with Israel Rally:
June 20, 2001Thank you for the warm introduction, Rabbi Luxenburg. And thank you to the Jewish Community Council, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and the many other organizations that took part in making this event a success.
Let me also thank the Jewish communities of Washington, Maryland, and Virginia for your outpouring of support for Israel during this difficult time.
Senator Wyden, Congresswoman Morella, Congressman Cantor, Rabbi Greenberg, Rabbi Mandell, members of the Jewish community, friends, and honored guests,
Shalom and welcome. Today we gather to demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Israel. Our commitment to peace and security. And our hope for the future.
On behalf of the State of Israel, I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming here today.Your message of support strengthens the resolve of Israeli citizens and soldiers, and sends a message that they are not alone.
For fifty-three years, since 1948, the American Jewish community has stood behind Israel. This unconditional support has endured the test of time.
You have stood by us through tragedy and triumph; hardship and achievement; conflict and peace.
You have served as our voice when others fell silent. Our partner when we were in need. Our family when we had no other.
After all, we are one people, and one family. We have but one destiny, and one future.
Your support has ensured the vitality of the Jewish State, and has laid the foundation for the rock-solid relationship between the United States and Israel.
Since the days of Ben-Gurion, the United States government and Congress have played a vital role in ensuring the security of the Jewish State.
Now that we have reached a dangerous moment in the history of the region, the United States and Israel must continue to stand together, as partners and allies.
For nine months, Israel has endured a systematic campaign of violence and terror, which has included more than five thousand armed attacks against Israelis.
Over eighty terrorist attacks have occurred in the past week alone. After both Prime Minister Sharon and Chairman Arafat agreed to the plan set forth by CIA Director George Tenet.
Despite the ongoing violence, Prime Minister Sharon has maintained his commitment to the cease-fire. But our policy of restraint cannot continue indefinitely.
Israel- like any other civilized country- will not sit back and allow the deliberate murder of its citizens.
We will never forget the one hundred and twenty Israeli citizens and soldiers killed in the recent violence.We will never forget the twenty-one young Israelis - most of them new immigrants from the former Soviet Union - killed in the terrible suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
And we will never forget the Israeli children whose lives have been tragically cut short by the violence.
Many of you know the Mandell family and Rabbi Seth Mandell, who is here with us today. The tragic loss of their son, Ya'akov (Kobi) Mandell, is deeply mourned by all of us here today.
We are a small nation, and our hearts are one. These attacks affect each and every one of us. Today, our hearts are with the Mandell family, and all victims of terror.To the wounded, we wish a fast recovery. To the families of the fallen, our hearts and prayers are with you. And to our missing soldiers, we will never tire in working for their safe return.
The world must now understand that our restraint has limits. Israel will not sit back and watch terror unfold in the Middle East.It is now up to Arafat to prove- in practice, not just words- that he will end the violence. Declarations are no longer enough.
The true test will be in actions, and results. Implementation, not promises.
Only strong international pressure will bring an end to Palestinian violence. The ongoing leadership of the United States is central to this effort.
My Friends,
It is important to remember that life in Israel goes on. We are a strong nation. A people with a long history, and we will overcome.
For three thousand, five hundred years, we have built a rich and proud civilization despite overwhelming odds.
We have demonstrated that Zionism and pessimism are incompatible. That strength does not lie in numbers, but in the will and spirit of our people.
For over five decades, the American Jewish community has strengthened our will and spirit. Now, more than ever, we need your continued support.
Now is the time to visit Israel. Now is the time to restore the security of Israel through the unity of our people. And now is the time to show the world that Diaspora Jews stand in solidarity with Israel.
When the bullets are flying, there is no left and no right. There is only unity.
There is no division between us, American or Israeli. We are all one. We all stand with Israel. And we share the same demand- that Arafat stop the violence, now!
Let our message of unity be heard loud and clear. From the Embassy in Washington, to the heart of Jerusalem- the eternal capital of the Jewish people.
Thank you for your continued support. Let us join together in praying for the security of Israel, now and forever.
Shalom.
