Right to exist & 60th anniversary of the State
In 2008, the State of Israel celebrates its 60th anniversary. Although it is still the only fully democratic country in the Middle East, Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state is still questioned.
WJC Policy
- Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish state in peace, security, stability and prosperity.
- For Jews around the world, the State of Israel is a special place. Israel’s well-being is central to Jewish life.
- Jews around the world are proud of Israel’s achievements over the last 60 years and support those who continue to build and defend Israel.
- Like every other legitimate state, Israel has a right to defend itself against any acts of aggression that threaten its citizens.
Israel’s international relations
Israel is not treated like any other state. It does not have diplomatic relations with a number of states and is often singled out for criticism by international organisations such as the UN.
WJC Policy
- Governments must apply the same standards to Israel when judging its actions compared with those of other countries.
- Israel should not be singled out for criticism by countries which do not themselves adhere to the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
- Israel needs to be treated fairly in international organisations, especially in United Nations bodies such as the Human Rights Council.
- All countries should recognize Israel's right to exist, and be open to developing diplomatic ties with Israel..
Peace process
Launching the Annapolis process in November 2007, US president George Bush expressed hope that a settlement between Israelis and Palestinians could be reached by the end of 2008. However, the takeover of the Gaza Strip by Hamas and the continued instability in the Palestinian Authority-controlled territories has complicated peace talks.
WJC Policy
- A negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution is the only legitimate and just way to provide for a lasting peace.
- The nascent Palestinian state should respect the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. A Palestinian state can only be founded if it respects Israel’s right to exist in security.
- Initiatives that help to enable the Palestinians to advance economically and socially should also be supported as a means of stabilising the peace process.
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Jewish communities around the world are joining in celebrating the 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence and the declaration of the State of Israel. The World Jewish Congress and its affiliates have always been at the forefront of defending Israel against its enemies, and will continue to do so. Jews everywhere in the world are proud of the achievements of Israel in the fields of agriculture, science and technology.
Despite many external threats and internal difficulties, the State of Israel has always been a fully-fledged democracy in which the rule of law is upheld.
In little more than 60 years five million immigrants from over 80 countries, many of them poor, were integrated into Israeli society. They have built a dynamic country, an island of prosperity in a region which economically is still lagging behind.
Together with its affiliated communities, the World Jewish Congress salutes the citizens of Israel, both Jewish and non-Jewish, and congratulates them on these marvelous achievements. We express hope that their – and their neighbors’ – security and well-being will soon be further enhanced by a successful peace process. |
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"At no time in our history have the State of Israel
and the Jewish people needed
the diplomatic efforts of the World Jewish Congress as
we do today."
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