November 16, 2006
Text of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s speech at the 2006 UJC General Assembly
Follow JewishJournal.com on 
(Page 3 - Previous Page)
But do not take my word alone on the wonders of our state. I urge each and every one of you to visit Israel.Join us. Participate in shaping our future, our heritage; strengthen the affinity between yourselves and your people - not next year in Jerusalem, but this year in Jerusalem!
The Israeli Government together with the Jewish Agency, work in unison to strengthen the connection of the Jewish nation to Israel, increase Jewish Zionist education and promote Aliyah through fantastic programs such as: "Birthright" , "Na'aleh," "Masa", and "Nefesh B'Nefesh. "
We must build ties between the Diaspora and Israel from a young age. We must promote our youth absorbing the tradition of their forefathers so that when the time comes, they might appropriately pass our age-old traditions on to their children.
For we are all partners in Israel's fate. We are the hereditary benefactors of our ancient religion and culture. With your dedication, the spirit of Israel continues to resounds with abundance and harmony.
No matter how many times I recite Israel's national anthem, I always fill with emotion as I say the final phrase: To be a free nation in our land, in the land of Zion and Jerusalem.
We dedicate our lives to these cherished words we recite emotionally. We cry tears of joy knowing these words were fulfilled. We take oaths of honor swearing we will never let them be deferred. We live by these words, we fight for them, and throughout several generations, far too many have sacrificed their lives for them.
Our lives are interconnected. Our fates are intertwined. Israel and the Jewish Diaspora is one. Your success is our success. Our success is your success.
We may be separated by a vast ocean, but our hearts beat together... always.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your support and dedication and love to the State of Israel.
