As we celebrate the 60th birthday of Medinat Yisroel, we take a moment to consider the significant nature of the gift that we as a nation were given. The ability to settle in the land of Israel, develop the land of Israel, and enjoy the land of Israel, is an opportunity that the Jewish people of this generation was extremely fortunate and tremendously blessed to receive.
Unfortunately, Medinat Yisroel did not come without a considerable and painful price. We remember the thousands of our brave brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives so that we could have our beloved homeland. We remember the families of Gush Katif who were needlessly expelled from their homes in a futile attempt to appease our enemies. Our thoughts are with the families of our precious MIA's, and we remember the countless sacrifices made by all those who have served in the Israel Defense Forces so that the State of Israel could remain in Jewish hands.
The achievements of the past sixty years are nothing short of extraordinary, and we should all be proud of the myriad accomplishments of the Jewish State.. Today we celebrate the birth of a nation, the establishment of our homeland, and the unification of the Jewish nation. The Medina has become the crowning glory of our people, who for over two thousand years, prayed fervently for the immediate return of our people to our land.
We at the National Council of Young Israel are proud of our commitment and contributions to the country, to our members who have made aliya, and to our branch synagogues whose Rabbanim, Boards of Directors, and members have made Israel the center of their lives.
May G-D continue to bless the State of Israel and may we all have the opportunity to continue reaping the benefits of this special treasure that we were given sixty years ago.
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