WASHINGTON – On Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, and ahead of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, Amb. Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, released the following statement:
“Seventy-seven years ago, the Jewish people changed history. After centuries of exile, persecution, and unimaginable loss, we stood tall and declared our independence in our ancestral homeland.
“But before we celebrate that extraordinary moment, we must pause to remember. On Yom HaZikaron, we honor all those who gave their lives so that Israel could be born and endure — from the War of Independence to the devastating losses we have suffered since October 7th. This year, our mourning is especially raw. We remember the fallen soldiers, the victims of terror, and the families whose grief is our shared burden.
“Their sacrifice reminds us that Israel’s independence was not given — it was earned and defended at great cost.
"On Israel’s 77th Yom Ha’atzmaut, we find inspiration in the miracle of a free, thriving, and democratic Jewish state — a beacon of hope for our people and for the world.
“Yet even as we celebrate, our hearts remain heavy. Fifty-nine hostages are still held by Hamas. Their ongoing captivity is a painful reminder that our story is still unfinished. We will not rest until every one of them returns home.
“As President of the World Jewish Congress, and as a Jew deeply connected to Israel, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and hope knowing that Jewish communities of the diaspora stand shoulder to shoulder with the citizens of the Jewish State— honoring the fallen, standing by the living, and working toward a stronger future.
“Am Yisrael Chai.”
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