Israel is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day. Read a message by the Ambassador Ilan Mor:
Today we celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut, the Independence Day of the State of Israel, which is the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.
When Israel declared independence, we could not have imagined the sheer scope of our success.
Israel is today a global and economical force, a leader in all areas: agriculture, science, innovation, security, medicine. Israel is a small country, but when it comes to accomplishments thanks to our focus on innovation as a driving force – we are truly a start-up nation in every sense of the word. Yes. We have much to be proud of on today.
In the last 72 years, on every Independence Day, we’ve used to dance on the streets in celebration.
Today, unfortunately, we cannot do that. Today we celebrate our independence in isolation, at a distance.
Today we are faced with another obstacle and a challenge: the coronavirus pandemic that has brought the world down to its knees and spared no nation, including Israel. Our lives have been drastically changed, but, despite everything, we must be patient and persevere; if our past has taught us anything, it is that we can and will overcome every obstacle. In this fight against the coronavirus, Israel is very active: our scientists are working 24/7 in a worldwide attempt to find a vaccine for the coronavirus and testing out drugs that would help those infected. This is another example of implementing the old Jewish principal of "TIKKUN OLAM" – making the world a better place to live in. We thank them for their efforts in this crisis.
Also in this fight, based on our good stable and friendly relations, Israel stands together with Croatia, and together we fight for a safe, healthy future.
We support and approve of the rules of social distancing and the recommendations and measures prescribed by the Croatian Institute of Public Health and the Croatian Government, which have proven to be successful.
We do so with hope, optimism and the belief that this will soon pass and that we will once again live our lives without fear.
When this is over, we look forward to further successful cooperation between Israel and Croatia in the fields of agriculture, science, technology, innovation and many more.
From our past, we have learned and created a better present; from this present, we will create a better future – together.
Happy Independence Day.
Ilan Mor,
The Ambassador of the State of Israel
April 29, 2020