As we stand and celebrate our freedom and our 61 years of independence, I would first and foremost like to share with you my deepest and most sincere desire for security, peace and the well being of the Jewish people throughout the world.

Sixty-one years ago, the declaration of independence unified the Jewish people, both in Israel and in the entire world, and every other nation that supported the idea of a reborn Jewish state. The spirit of the Jewish people helped us win the War of Independence and establish the State of Israel, and helped us prevail against those who wished to destroy us.

We have paid a high price to keep our independence. I am referring to almost a dozen wars and thousands of terrorist attacks that have caused nearly 25,000 casualties as well as thousands of wounded. The price we have paid has strengthened our resolve to overcome our enemies and we are more than ever committed to protect citizens of Israel wherever they live.

Now is the time for unity, both at home and abroad, because only together we will be able to face the threats posed by terrorism, anti-Israeli hatred and antisemitism.

We must act together and in solidarity in order to ensure the continuation of the Jewish people's rights, vigor, and role in contributing to the improvement of the world we live in.

Despite its small size, Israel is a country with huge potential and incredible achievements. Israel has proven that it has become a global pioneer in a number of fields, from science and the economy to international cooperation, and a vibrant democracy through its freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Together, the State of Israel and the Jews of the Diaspora have an enormous inherent potential to contribute to the advancing of prosperity on a global scale, and can consolidate Jewish existence, based on our heritage, values and respect and dignity for all.

It is certainly a must to promote peaceful discourse among ourselves and genuine peace with our neighbors. Simultaneously, we must take those measures that are necessary for safeguarding Jewish life wherever it may be, Israel's security, and the rights of the Jewish people in its homeland. We must encourage and support the next generation of Jewish leadership because since the establishment of the State of Israel, we have been partners in the Zionist enterprise, and we must now be partners in leading our people to a vibrant and brighter future.

On a personal note, I can tell you fi rsthand about the fortitude of the Zionist enterprise and I would like to invite each and every one of you to join us here in Israel, where we absolutely believe in dreams and make them come true.

I look forward to meeting with you in your communities and here in Jerusalem, the eternal and undivided capital of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

Hag Sameah!