As narrated in the Bible, the birthplace of the Jewish nation was in the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael). For over two millennia, after the Jewish people lost its sovereignty over Eretz Yisrael and was exiled to countries around the world, the Jews never ceased their yearning to return and rebuild their homeland.

Although the Jewish people was scattered throughout the nations of the world, Jews continued to adhere to the basic tenets of their belief. These tenets were expressed by the words of the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), the visions of the prophets, and the Talmud, the definitive body of Jewish law. The egalitarian principles that are found in these sources have provided a natural environment for the proliferation of democratic ideas.

Tolerance for others, respect for all people and concern for the social welfare of each member of society, as embedded in the Jewish sources, were the cornerstones upon which Jewish life in the Diaspora was built. From the communities of Jews who always maintained a presence in Eretz Yisrael, to the far flung communities around the world, Jewish communal life was run by institutions which helped lay the groundwork for the democratic institutions of Israel today. Moreover, liberal and democratic ideas from the emerging democracies in Europe during the 19th century had their influence on the development and outlook of political Zionism.

The modern State of Israel, reborn in 1948, transformed the dream nourished in the hearts of the Jewish people for two thousand years into a reality. The newly formed state, in contrast to the surrounding region noted for its totalitarian and authoritarian regimes, adopted egalitarian, democratic and pluralistic guidelines for its own society.

Israel's Declaration of Independence (May 14, 1948) proclaimed the formation of a Jewish state which would adhere to democratic principles. The absorption of hundreds of thousands of Jews from around the world added to the pluralistic nature of Israel's culture. The framers of the declaration, mindful of the years of persecution suffered by the Jewish people at the hands of different regimes under which they resided, made it clear that Israel would be bound by principles of freedom, equality and tolerance for all inhabitants regardless of religion, conscience, race, gender or culture.

Israel is still a young country. It has devoted many of its resources to defending its borders and residents from threats by hostile neighbors. In keeping with the words of its Declaration of Independence, Israel continues to extend the hand of peace to its neighbors. Moreover, despite ongoing attacks on its people, Israel continues to act in pursuance of the liberties and values to which it has always been fully committed.

The State of Israel is determined as ever to validate the founders' belief that a Jewish and democratic state can exist amidst the daily challenges to its integrity. Assisted by its judiciary branch, by legislation enacted by its parliament, the Knesset, and by the many other institutions which comprise its society, Israel has demonstrated how true commitment to a democratic way of life does not have to be impeded by external circumstances. In this way, tangible meaning is given to the words "a free people in our land."