Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Israelis yesterday marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of their state with fireworks displays, young people with the white and blue of the flag painted on their faces, families streaming through streets festooned with Israeli flags.
Israel declared itself independent on 14 May 1948 on the basis of a United Nations decision, but the anniversary is calculated according to the Jewish lunar calendar.
The celebrations began at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl Memorial, named after the founder of modern Zionism, where soldiers raised the Israeli flag from half to full mast amid tight security.
Despite official speeches honouring those who gave their lives to defend the country, the anniversary is also marked by appeals for peace.
“Our conflict has been long indeed,” Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said. “However, it is peace, not war that we aspire to and crave.”
Israel's existence as a nation, he added, depended on its “willingness and ability” to defend itself, but there was also a “willingness to compromise”.
Olmert’s reference to peace (he is currently engaged in getting talks started with Syria) comes at a difficult time for him since he is at the centre of a police inquiry over alleged corruption.
This and the fear of terrorism have cast a shadow over the anniversary.
