Statement by Governor Paterson on the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of The State of Israel

Happy Independence Day - 60 to Israel

 יום עצמאות שמח

NEW YORK, NY -- Today I join with all New Yorkers to commemorate and celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut – the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

Over the past 60 years, the people of New York have shared a special bond with Israel, and now, New York is home to the largest Jewish population of any state in the nation. I am thrilled to share in Israel’s joy during this time of celebration.

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Our bond with Israel is historic and cultural. The achievements of the Jewish people, in fields from business to the arts, have played a central role in making New York the capital of the world.

Since Israel’s founding we have benefited from a strategic partnership, in which Israel is New York’s 4th largest trading partner – sharing $4.9 billion annually. This is a testament to Israel’s ingenuity and resilience. I know this cooperation will continue to strengthen the bond between New York and Israel for many years to come.

I was honored to visit Israel last year and look forward to many more visits in the future. All New Yorkers wish the people of Israel, and the entire Jewish community here in New York, a very hearty congratulations on Israel’s 60th anniversary and best wishes for many more.

Comments

is this to simultaneously celebrate an occupation? Can someone ask that? Are we in the United States where it is safe to voice concerns?
May all religions live in peace beside each other. There's one Creator.

[lost in yonkers]

Israel should be congratlatated on surviving
60 years...the only democracy in the middle
east..a staunch ally of the US...a fighter against Islamic terrorism..and a country willing to take out nuclear capabilities in
Iran and Syria that threaten the region..
That is a separate argument about whether
the Israel's should abandon the west bank
settlements..they should and I hope they
will...the settlements are the product of
the same type of thinking that convolutes
other radical religions...evangelicals
in this country and Islamo fanatics ie
that god somehow has told them what to do
and how to behave....the west bank is not
and never will be part of greater Israel
and the majority of Israeli's agree....

Lost in Yonkers, I posted 7:30pm, and you make some good points that I can agree with.