Summary: May 10, 2011 – New York – AJC Executive Director David Harris, in his national radio commentary, delivers hearty congratulations to Israel on the country’s 63rd birthday. The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. LISTEN. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: This week, Israel celebrates its 63rd birthday. For most countries, that number would elicit a shrug of the shoulders. Not in Israel’s case. Considering its extraordinary history, each birthday is cause for celebration. An ancient people, born and rooted in this land, have built a modern, dynamic state. A dry, barren area has become lush with the earth’s fruits. Despite the threats from its neighbors, Israelis have embraced life to the fullest. Israel today is a high-octane and multicultural country. It’s a democratic oasis in a region that, as the world has now vividly seen, has had too much despotism, torture, and corruption. Israelis have built a remarkable country in their ancestral land through their courage, sacrifice, and inspiration. Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, once said: “In Israel, in order to be a realist you have to believe in miracles.” He was right. Happy 63rd birthday, Israel! Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC
