This week is the most important week of the year in Israel. This week we mourn the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust during Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day. We honor the Israeli soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Israel and those who perished in terrorist attacks directed at innocent Israeli citizens during Yom Hazikaron - Israel's Memorial Day. And, we celebrate the birth of Israel during Yom Ha'Atzmaut - Israel's Independence Day.
Sunday I had the priviledge of participating in several Yom HaShoah events, organized by both Jews and Christians, across the Atlanta area. We bowed our heads and prayed for those who unjustly perished at the hands of monsters. We prayed for the Jews who were unable to defend themselves.
Last night, on the eve of Yom Hazikaron we again bowed our heads in prayer for the brave and righteous men, women and children who died fighting for Israel.
This week we remember the dead, yet this week we also celebrate the result of their sacrifice, for their deaths are not in vain.
The blood of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust paved the way to a Jewish state - the State of Israel. The IDF soldiers who sacrificed their lives protecting this Jewish State, have made Israel a safer and thus free nation. The lives of those taken by terrorists have only served to strengthen the resolve of all Israelis to fight against evil and achieve peace and a normal life.
It is of no coincidence that Israel's Memorial Day falls just a day before Yom Ha'atzmaut - Israel's Independence Day. It is the sacrifice of every IDF soldier that allows Israel to not only survive another year, but to flourish and to become the "Start Up Nation."
Now, 64 years later, Israel stands a nation small in stature, but mighty in her influence for good.
Despite her size, Israel has become a world leader in the areas of water reclamation, medical technology and renewable energy. Sixty four years ago Israel was exporting oranges; now Israel is slated to become home to the only R&D center outside the U.S. for Apple. Google opened up a R&D center in Israel just 6 years ago with a little over a dozen employees. Now, in just six years, Google has 350 employees! Companies know Israel is not just open for business, it is THE place to develop your business!
This year the Consulate partnered with Georgia Tech in welcoming the latest nobel laureate in Chemistry, from the Technion in Israel, to Atlanta. Daniel Schectman, this year's greatest mind in Chemistry, spoke to students at Georgia Tech and met with leading scholars.
Israel is a beacon of cultural and artistic freedom. A place where boys and girls can strive to be their best. Israel is proud to call famous actress Natalie Portman, NBA player Omri Casspi and world renowned violinist Shlomo Mintz children of Israel.Even Madonna has decided to kick off her world tour this year in Israel!
So this year, at 64, Israel has much to celebrate.
And while Israel’s accomplishments largely come from the innovative and creative nature of Israeli society – it also is the result of the steadfast support of Israel’s greatest ally – the United States.
The billions of dollar in defense aid from the U.S. to Israel has enabled Israel to continue joint development with the U.S. on life-saving missile defense systems. For decades, missile defense has been the centerpiece of the U.S-Israel strategic cooperation and we have jointly developed some of the world’s most sophisticated missile defense systems. I have travelled extensively to Huntsville, Alabama to visit both Beoing and Raetheon - two U.S. companies partnering with Israel in missile Defense.
Both our nations are under threat from long and short-range ballistic missiles and now these threats are more severe as we watch Iran blatantly defy the world and threaten its neighboring Arab states by pursuing nuclear weapons.
Iran is definitively the greatest threat to Israel and worldwide geo-political stability. Iran is at the center of terrorism in the Middle East.This past year we have seen the United State as well as Europe approve harsh sanctions on Iran. The sanctions are working. We must continue to work hand-in-hand with the United States to quell the Ayatollah's power.
The friendship between Israel and the United States is stronger than ever - especially here in the Southeast. This past year the Consulate has facilitated trips for attorney generals, commissioners and even one governor to Israel. In the coming months, we expect to welcome more governors, commissioners and mayors from our region to Israel to identify further areas of collaboration.
The strong ties between this region and Israel are not only political and economic by nature. Through the Consulate's Cultural Department we have seen more Isaeli artists, dancers, musicians and writers tour the Southeast than in the past.
We are proud to pair the best and brightest in Israel with the best and brightest in the Southeast.
I am honored to represent Israel here in the Southeast. Now, not yet half way through my posting in Atlanta, I am proud of all Israel has become in 64 years and I am proud of all our Consulate has and will continue to accomplish with our great friends here in the Southeast.