Governor Gregoire celebrates Israeli 60th anniversary of statehood

May 4, 2008

*As Written*

Thank You, Rabbi Bruce Kadden, for the kind introduction.

I�m honored to be here today.

If I may, I�d like to acknowledge Congressman Norm Dicks, Congressman Adam Smith, and County Executive John Ladenburg today. Good to see you here!

It is good to see all of you on such an important day for Temple Beth El, and for the Jewish people everywhere.

It amazes me to realize that the great nation of Israel � a great and thriving Democracy -- was formed just in my lifetime!

Israel � which is so important to the Jewish people as a homeland and spiritual center � has grown into a First World nation in just 60 years!

I have been to Israel, and have seen and felt first hand its progress�it�s spirit�and it�s exciting, high-tech economy.

It so happens that Israel is an international satellite for Microsoft -- but it certainly doesn�t stop there.
Israel is recognized worldwide as a leader in technology and biotechnology.

And through hard work, Israelis truly have transformed the desert into a garden by pioneering and applying revolutionary agricultural practices.

Among other things, the Israelis developed the �drip system� of irrigating -- now used all over the world including in Eastern Washington. It�s the most efficient way to use precious water because the water goes directly into the soil with far less loss from evaporation.

We can also thank Israel for protecting and interpreting sacred sites for the world�s three major religions, and for developing cultural tourism, which means so much to people around the globe.

I know that when I visited Israel, I was very moved by the rich spiritual legacy that is such a very real part of the fabric of Israel.

Let me say, I also visited the Holocaust Museum, and understood -- at a gut level -- so much of the history of suffering of the Jewish people, and the very real need for a homeland.

So let me congratulate you here today at Temple Beth El, and let me congratulate Jewish people everywhere for their success and triumph in building a nation and gaining a homeland.

I am issuing a proclamation today recognizing this important day in Jewish history.

Thank you