The Miracle Called Israel

By John Waage and Deborah Bunting, CBN News - Jerusalem Bureau

CBNNews.com - Sixty years ago, May 14, 1948, the modern State of Israel was born. The circumstances of Israel's re-birth were anything but average. In fact, some say Israel's renaissance -- after 2,000 years -- was nothing short of miraculous.

In a country the size of New Jersey, this thriving democracy, with its 7.3 million citizens, is a world leader in medicine, technology and agriculture, with a military that ranks among the finest.

Tiny Israel has given the world the cell phone, computer processors and voice mail. Israelis have made the barren desert bloom, reforested large portions of the country, and have made the nation a leading exporter of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

President Bush Visits Jerusalem

ICC Jerusalem International Convention Center, Jerusalem, THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. President Peres, thank you, sir, for your hospitality. Mr. Prime Minister and Mrs. Olmert, it's great to be with you. We consider you friends. Heads of state, thank you all for coming. I think it's a great tribute to this conference, as well as to Israel that some so many heads of state have come. Ex-heads of state and ex-leaders, thanks for being here. Save a seat in the ex-leader's club. (Laughter and applause.) Citizens of Israel, Laura and I loved coming to your beautiful country, and thank you for your warm hospitality. Citizens of the United States, my fellow Americans -- (applause) -- spend freely and behave yourselves. (Laughter.)

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. (Applause.)

As we celebrate the anniversary, it is useful to look back at the story of your founding. It is the story of how faith guided the Jewish people through centuries of bitter exile. It is a story of how those living behind ghetto walls and barbed wire never lost sight of Jerusalem. And it is a story of how brave pioneers risked everything to redeem the promise of this land. It is a marvelous story.

Jewish American Heritage Month

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the history, culture, and faith of Jewish Americans and their contributions to our Nation.

The story of the Jewish people in America is the story of America itself. When the first Jewish settlers arrived on our shores hundreds of years ago, they saw a land of promise and liberty. With hard work and determination, these individuals helped build our country and strengthen our values. Their commitment to religious freedom and their belief in democracy have enriched our society and helped make our country a beacon of hope for all.

Special Offers

Inside Israel

The Miracle Called Israel

President Bush Visits Jerusalem

Jewish American Heritage Month