Declaration of the Jewish Diaspora’s Commitment to the State of Israel on the Occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of the State of IsraelOn this, the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the modern State of Israel in the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people, we, the undersigned leaders of the World Jewish Congress, representing the Jewish communities in more than 100 countries around the world, thank G-d for enabling the Jewish people to witness the miraculous rebirth of the State of Israel, in our time.

Driven by our immense pride and admiration for Israel’s remarkable and inspiring achievements over the course of the past seven decades, and mindful of our enduring commitment to its wellbeing, security, and rights among the nations, we solemnly reiterate and declare:

Our steadfast and unwavering support for Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people and its centrality to the Jewish people;

Our heartfelt yearning for peace and security for the State of Israel and its people;

Our abiding and unbreakable link with Jerusalem, Israel’s ancient and eternal capital;

Our happiness in witnessing the modern-day ingathering of the exiles in Israel’s absorption of millions of Jewish immigrants from all corners of the Diaspora;

Our joy in experiencing the revival of our ancient language Hebrew, as a modern language and the first official language of the State of Israel;

Our esteem for the State of Israel in ensuring that Jews, Christians, Muslims, and peoples of other faiths have always enjoyed freedom of religion in Israel, and access to their respective holy sites in Jerusalem since its reunification in 1967, and elsewhere;

Our proud acknowledgement of Israel as the only democracy in the Middle East that upholds the human rights of all its citizens, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation;

Our celebration of the State of Israel’s astonishing achievements in so many fields of human endeavor, including science, medicine, agriculture, water technology, economics, literature and the arts and high-tech;

Our great admiration for the State of Israel’s demonstration of the spirit of ‘tikkun olam’ repairing the world in its provision of humanitarian aid and personnel to other nations in times of crisis, and its willingness to assist victims of war and other tragedies, even from enemy countries, through medical and other assistance, in Israel;

Our unconditional and unflinching commitment to upholding Israel’s inalienable right to defend itself against all threats and acts of force.

We recall the words of hope - to be a free people in our land - in Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem, and pray for peace. We ask G-d to continue to bless the people and the State of Israel and to guide us in our efforts.

Signed by presidents representing 83 Jewish communities worldwide and by the WJC Steering CommitteeYom Ha’atzmaout, 5th Day of Iyar, 5778

Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia , Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Ronald S. LauderPresident

David de RothschildChairman

Chella SafraTreasurer

Robert SingerCEO & EVP