The famous 1960 movie by Otto Preminger about events in Israel just before the 1947 War of Independence, including the famous ship “Exodus”, where Britain was forced to allow the Jewish refugees on-board to leave Cyprus and go to Palestine. 3 1/2 hours long, in 3 parts.

Distinguished guests, I really appreciate your warm welcome. And we are thrilled to be here with one of America’s closest friends. Laura and I are honored to represent the American people on the 60th anniversary of your independence. Happy birthday.

For Yom Ha Atzmaut, celebrating at a kollel with a hallel

Something a little more happy and positive… This visit was protested by anti-Israel activists in Germany and elsewhere, but that is normal.
TEL AVIV, Israel (AFP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Israel on Sunday to cement ties with the Jewish state nearly 60 years after its creation following World War II and the Nazi Holocaust.
“Sixty [...]

A new situation has been created by the declared intention of the British Government to “take steps in the near future” with a view to establishing Trans-Jordan as a fully independent and sovereign state. This decision, welcomed by most Arab States, has been attacked by the Zionists.

Resolution 242 (1967)
of 22 November 1967

The Security Council,
Expressing its continuing concern with the grave situation in the Middle East,
Emphasizing the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war and the need to work for a just and lasting peace in which every State in the area can live in security,
Emphasizing further that all Member States [...]

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 (III)
11 December 1948
The General Assembly,
Having considered further the situation in Palestine,

1. Expresses its deep appreciation of the progress achieved through the good offices of the late United Nations Mediator in promoting a peaceful adjustment of the future situation of Palestine, for which cause he sacrificed his life; and
Extends its [...]

Independence of Israel
Letter From the Agent of the Provisional Government of Israel to the President of the United States, May 15, 1948
MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I have the honor to notify you that the state of Israel has been proclaimed as an independent republic within frontiers approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations [...]

Declaration of Israel’s Independence 1948
Issued at Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948 (5th of Iyar, 5708)
ERETZ-ISRAEL [(Hebrew) - The Land of Israel] was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and political identity was shaped. Here they first attained to statehood, created cultural values of national and universal significance and gave to [...]