It is with joy and profound excitement that Friends of SimonWiesenthal Center (FSWC) celebrates Yom Ha'atzmaut to mark 70 years of Israeliindependence.

Throughout its existence, Israel has overcome threats andopposition that have challenged its way of life, yet the Jewish state remains aflourishing example of democracy whose drive for self-determination is aninspiration to the world.

Israel’s scientific innovations have revolutionized the areas ofmedicine, environment and technology, while its frontline rescue missions makeit a global leader in humanitarian response. In contrast to surroundingcountries, Israel shines as a bastion of tolerance for LGBTQ rights and itsneighbourhoods are the living embodiment of religious coexistence.

“Beginning atsundown tonight, Yom Ha’atzmaut is a day for festivity and celebration as we mark 70 years ofsovereignty for the Jewish state,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo.“This landmark anniversary fills Israelis and Jewish people everywhere with aninfinite sense of pride for everything this tiny country has achieved in itsrelatively short life.”

An FSWC delegation isin Israel this week to commemorate Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut andparticipate in national observances.