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Friday May 27, 2005

We’ve come so far in the past 57 years

by david akov
israel consul general

As our community gathers to celebrate 57 years since Israel’s rebirth as a modern, independent state, it is fitting to recall some of Israel’s past successes. Look at the distance we have traveled:

In 1948, Israel had a population of 650,000; today we have 6.9 million people. Then we had industrial exports totaling $5 million, and today that figure has reached $23.4 billion. In 1948, Israel was mostly an agricultural community; today Israel is a design center for the most sophisticated laptop computer processors as well as a development center for innovative software, digital communications and cutting edge biotechnology.

Israel today is one of the most important hubs for technological innovation outside of Silicon Valley, while at the same time Israelis play an important role inside Silicon Valley. Israel is even part of the small club of nations with the technological prowess to launch satellites into space.

Israel has been recognized for its great scientific and cultural achievements in these 57 years. Israelis have won Nobel Prizes in various disciplines, the last one a few months ago in chemistry. Israel has bustling music, cinema and dance scenes. Israeli writers’ works are translated into dozens of languages, bringing Israeli experiences and dilemmas to the four corners of the globe. And of course, we shouldn’t forget that in the last year an Israeli athlete brought Israel its first Olympic gold medal ever. It was a very emotional moment for all Jews around the world to hear “Hatikvah” and to see the Israeli flag being flown highest above the stadium.

Though we have had to grapple with many security and economic pressures, all the while absorbing millions of new immigrants from all over the world, we have managed over these 57 years to build an open society and a vibrant and vocal democracy. This democracy truly reflects the mosaic of people that is Israel.

Israel’s success is due in part to the commitment that world Jewry, and especially American Jewry, has made to keeping Israel strong and prosperous. Israel, in fact, has a very special relationship with the Bay Area on many different levels. Our area federations have many ongoing projects in Israel to strengthen Israeli society and develop its future leadership.

Bay Area teens will travel to Israel this summer in growing numbers, while adult participation in federation and synagogue trips also increases. The enthusiasm I have seen in the preparations for this year’s “Israel in the Gardens” has been overwhelming as the local community demonstrates their continued commitment and support for the Jewish state. Our community is full of energy and excitement for all things Israel.

One very important goal that we did not manage to achieve in the last 57 years is comprehensive peace. This will be Israel’s main challenge in the immediate future.

In less than three months, Israel will take another major step on the road towards peace with our Palestinian neighbors by leaving the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank. Carrying out this historic and dramatic decision will not be easy, but hopefully will provide the catalyst we have been seeking to jump-start the diplomatic process.

This decision, made by Israel’s democratically elected government, will go forward as planned. We will do all we can to facilitate an easy transition for those who will be directly affected by the decision.

Relations with the Arab and Muslim world have been stormy and tense at times during the past 57 years. Today, however, things are looking decidedly better as Egypt and Jordan have recently returned their ambassadors to Israel. This move will hopefully lead to more bilateral cooperation. Israeli, Egyptian and Jordanian textile companies are already working together in special tariff-free zones to manufacture clothes for worldwide distribution. Friendly economic relations will hopefully lead toward warmer relations overall. We anticipate that developments toward peace will enable us to have diplomatic relations with most of the rest of our neighbors.

It is said that a high-ranking Chinese official once commented to an Israeli diplomat that he thought Israel’s successes were so amazing, considering Israel’s population was only 100 million people. It is easy to understand how the official could have made such a gross overestimation when one looks at all that Israel has produced in its 57 years. With your help, we can make the next 57 years that much sweeter.

Yom HaAtzmaut Sameach!

David Akov is consul general of Israel for the Pacific Northwest region.

ISRAEL IN THE GARDENS

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