‫משרד ראש הממשלה‬
THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
‫مکتب رئيس ال ُحكومة‬
Translation
December 18, 2012
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the "Saluting Community Building
in the Galilee" Event
I was already emotional on the way here. I came by helicopter, and it was piloted by a young
female pilot from the Air Force. Let me reiterate – any country in which a female pilot sits in
the cockpit is a country in which women will sit anywhere.
During the flight, I saw the tremendous development in this region. In fact today is a real day
of celebration in Acre, which is rapidly developing. I think there are very few cities in the State
of Israel that have such a fascinating history as Acre. This is a city that lies long the
Mediterranean, which was founded millennia ago, a city that ties together the past and the
present, East and West, tradition and modernity. It is a city in which Jews, Muslims, Christians
and members of other religions live together in coexistence.
I visited the Bahai Gardens in Acre several years ago. Simply put, it is one of the most
beautiful sites in Israel. The combination of all these things, the magnificent sight of the azure
ocean waves crashing on the walls of the ancient city is, in my opinion, one of the most
spectacular views in the country. There is a reason ancient Acre was chosen to be a heritage
site; it truly has a heritage that stretches from Alexander the Great through Napoleon, who left
behind a hill here, "Napoleon's Hill".
But the Jewish people have a special bond with Acre. Only days ago, Hanukkah ended. The
Hashmoneans struggled and fought for Acre. They even left behind several members of their
dynasty. As a boy, I was taught the spectacular stories of the leaders of the Yishuv and the
underground fighters who were imprisoned in Acre Fort – one of them was Ze'ev Jabotinsky.
I heard stories about the wondrous bravery of the Irgun members and how they broke out of
Acre Prison in May 1947. The breakout, which was intended to free the underground
prisoners, was one of the bolder operations during the period of the British Mandate. Later on,
when I served as a soldier and officer in the Matcal Special Forces, we learned about this
operation. It made a strong impression on us.
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‫משרד ראש הממשלה‬
THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
‫مکتب رئيس ال ُحكومة‬
Not long ago, my wife and I visited the marvelous museum of the underground prisoners,
which was recently renovated. These are some of the fundamental heritage sites for the Jewish
people, of the new Jewish history.
Of course, Acre was liberated only days after the War of Independence, and the city began to
develop. Educational institutions were established here, the school for naval officers, the
Institute for Naval Training. Of course there was a certain decline in the years that followed,
but again there is a flourishing.
This flourishing is first and foremost due to the transformation of Acre into a vibrant and
diverse tourism destination. In addition, there is a very special Jewish renewal here. I think
that this finds expression in the various bodies represented here today, including the local
religious seminary headed by Rabbi Yossi Stern, which was established in Acre ten years ago
and interestingly enough is called "The Spirit of the North [literally: Northern Wind]". I like
that, "The Spirit of the North". There is indeed a new spirit in the north, and the seminarians
brought with them a new and great spirit to the city. The seminarians and their teachers not
only learn the Torah, but through cultural activities in the community, they strengthen Jewish
and Zionist identity in the city.
During the Second Lebanon War, the students stayed put and helped the Home Front
Command distribute food and strengthen morale among the residents. I would like to point
out that this tradition is an ancient one. In Acre, Jews began moving to the city in the midEighteenth century, led by Rabbi Chaim Ben-Atar and Rabbi Moshe Chaim Lutzato. For this,
we cherish their work.
I would like to especially congratulate the community group and the student village established
by the Ayalim organization. These are two of the groups we are saluting today. We are saluting
community building in the Galilee, although it is not only occurring in the Galilee. However, I
give this example because there is a spirit of renewed Zionism here. These groups combine
secular and religious members, all of them Zionists, all of them passionate about taking action.
This is expressed through the spirit of volunteerism that is quite simply refreshing and provides
a tremendous amount of hope. There is faith here; there is action. By the way, this is top-class
social action. If someone wants to see what social action is, they should come here. Let them
come to Acre and visit the other groups around the country. Here, people contribute to their
communities; here they contribute to society; here they overcome hardship; here they create
hope for the future. I want to thank you all – you are truly the genuine pioneers of our time.
You are building this country.
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‫משרד ראש הממשלה‬
THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
‫مکتب رئيس ال ُحكومة‬
You know, there was a Prime Minister highly admired by me and by all of you, and he was
named Menachem Begin. The late Menachem Begin said, "Sometimes you have to state the
obvious". So I would like to state the obvious: the roots of Zionism are in Zion; it is founded
on Zion; it is founded on Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the State of Israel, and we will continue to build in it. This is
the policy that has guided Israel's governments for the 45 years since the Six Day War. We
cannot allow any political consideration to overwhelm this national consensus. The unity of
Jerusalem and building within it are expressions of the deep national consensus found in the
heart of the people. It is something that we stand behind in total unity, against the entire world
if need be.
We represent generations of Jews. We know that the dream of "next year in the developed
Jerusalem" is a dream that instilled hope and gave strength to generations of Jews. It also gave
strength to our generation and will give strength to the generations to follow. I know that you
embody this spirit, which gives you strength that in turn is directed outwards. I want to thank
you again for the tremendous work you are doing. I congratulate you for all that I saw from
the air and from land. I look forward to seeing more in the years to come.
Thank you very much.
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E-MAIL: MEDIA@PMO.GOV.IL