Russ Feingold: “during the last few days, both in Israel and around the world, Jews and millions of others have been celebrating the…”

“during the last few days, both in Israel and around the world, Jews and millions of others have been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the birth of Israel. A celebration of Israel is a celebration of democracy, prosperity, faith and the fulfillment of the dream of a Jewish homeland. It was on May 14, 1948, that David Ben-Gurion announced Israel's birth to the world. Fifty years later, Israel is a mature state--a survivor of wars, assassinations and painful regional conflicts. And Israel has not only survived, it has prospered and thrived. It has bloomed in the desert, taking root against seemingly impossible odds. But it does not surprise us, for we know that overcoming the insurmountable is the story of the Jewish people. Examples of Israel's achievements abound: it is a world leader in developing agricultural techniques for arid climates, and in harnessing the power of solar energy. Ben-Gurion believed that Israel could lead the world to a better future by marrying the ethical teachings of the ancients with the discoveries of modern science. "It is only by the integration of the two," he wrote, "that the blessings of both can flourish." Israel ranks among the most advanced economies in the world, and is a vigorous democracy in a region of largely authoritarian regimes.”