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MESSAGE FROM AMBASSADOR RICHARD JONES
ON THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

Congratulations Israel on your 60th Anniversary!

Anniversaries are natural times to look back at history and renew hope for the future.  I would like to note another important anniversary this year:  It has been thirty years since the Camp David Accords were agreed upon.  The signing of that document was a remarkable achievement for Israel. It fundamentally changed the nature of this region and helped this country move another step toward a normal national existence.

a banner at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv celebrating 60 years of U.S.- Israel diplomatic relations.

The existence of Israel, in the context of the history of this century alone, is an amazing accomplishment.  Over the past sixty years, the citizens of this nation have done more than merely survive -- they have transformed Israel into a democratic, multi-cultural, and economically prosperous country.

Unfortunately, Israel today still faces security challenges, just as it did on the day it declared its independence 60 years ago.  As the United States under President Truman stood by Israel then, the United States under President Bush stands with it now.  This was demonstrated by our pledge last summer to provide $30 billion in security assistance to Israel over the next ten years.  However the more important commitment is the search for a lasting and secure peace in the Middle East. 

As another sign of our continuing support for Israel’s security, in a few days time we will be pleased to welcome President Truman’s modern day namesake, the USS Harry S. Truman into Israeli waters.  This Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is on her way back to the United States after a successful deployment in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

A peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region is and will remain a major foreign policy priority of the United States.

In fact, negotiations for a two state solution where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security are robust and promising.  The process launched at Annapolis last November is alive and well despite determined efforts by some who would seek to mire the region in terrorism and violence. 

The United States and Israel have enjoyed unbreakable bonds of friendship since the first moments of Israeli independence. Israel occupies a unique place in the hearts of our government and our people.

Again, I would like to congratulate you on this celebration of 60 years of progress and wish you a peaceful and secure future.