70th Anniversary: Israeli Officials Praise U.S. for Dedicated Relationship

The Independence Day ceremony began yesterday and will continue through Saturday evening for 70 hours of Israeli festivities across the country to celebrate the 70th anniversary of when David Ben Gurion announced the establishment of the Jewish state and Israel took its place among the nations on May 14, 1948. The theme for the nation’s 70th anniversary celebration is “A Legacy of Innovation.”

President Reuven Rivlin hosted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot and others for a musical ceremony honoring over 100 soldiers receiving commendations for excellence. There was a cross-country flyover of military jets and helicopters, which included Israel’s fleet of F-35 jets, considered the most advanced plane in the world. At the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, there was a state ceremony featuring the lighting of torches by 12 people who are seen to have made an outstanding contribution to society—as well as one by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and another by Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein.

The opening ceremony of Israel’s national celebration wove a theme of technological progress and survival through seven decades of its modern history. They told the story of the Jewish people from Moses to the early pioneers, through the Holocaust to the growth of technology. They said the rebirth of their nation was where prophecy became their reality and the answer to their prayers.

President Donald Trump previously announced that the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will open on May 14, 2018, to coincide with the 70th anniversary. He has held to his promise despite facing a backlash from the Palestinian Authority and its supporters.

“We all appreciate the strong alliance with the United States,” Netanyahu said. “We all welcome President Donald Trump’s historic decision to recognize Jerusalem as our capital and to transfer the embassy of the strongest power in the world to it. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, America.”

“We celebrate with the Jewish people during this historic time as Israel celebrates its 70th anniversary,” said Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, president of Christians in Defense of Israel, and founder and president of Covenant Journey. “The number 70 has great biblical significance, and it is fitting that the U.S. Embassy will open in Jerusalem during this anniversary. The biblical and historical connection of the land of Israel to the Jewish people is undisputed, and they are the rightful possessor of the land.

“It is miraculous that this small, but incredible, country has not just survived but thrived as a land which contributes great agricultural and technological advances to the world. Israel not only has survived against all odds but it thrives, and this small country has impacted the entire world. Israel is nothing short of a modern miracle.”

Liberty Counsel produced a 13-part original TV series aired on TBN called Why Israel Matters that can be viewed or here. This exclusive series is designed to demonstrate in a powerful way the crucial importance of the Jewish state of Israel to Christians, to America and to the world. {eoa}

For the original article, visit lc.org.