Reader's letter

60 years ago, on November 29, 1947, the member states of the United Nations Assembly approved the creation of a sovereign Jewish state in part of the Land of Israel, then British-mandated Palestine. It was the first step towards realizing the ancient desire cherished by an entire people, throughout its dispersion.

In the Jewish calendar it was the 17th day of the month of Kislev - famous in our history for the miracles that occurred during it. There were exactly eight days left until the festival of Hanukkah, which celebrates the struggle and victory of our people, during the heroic revolt of the Maccabees against the empire that was then subjugating the Land and the people of Israel.

The events that occurred at the time of the Maccabees and those that, in modern times, culminated in the November 1947 decision at the UN, are spiritually intertwined. In both cases, the improbable - in fact, the almost impossible - was accomplished.

We all know the miracles that occurred through the Maccabees, but few of us remember how difficult it was to get the world's recognition of the justice of our claim. On the day previously scheduled for the decisive vote by the General Assembly, November 27, Jewish lobbies were far from reaching the necessary number of votes. They knew, however, as Abba Eban had stated, that "if the Jewish People triumphed with partition, they would be fulfilling an ancient dream. If they failed, that dream could be extinguished for many generations." It was then a matter of winning or winning.

Determined, they managed to postpone the vote for two days, buying time to win the necessary votes. Minutes before voting began, there were still doubts about what the outcome would be. The miracle happened and the happy result still makes the most intimate strings of our hearts vibrate today. A few months later, the independence of the State of Israel was declared. After 2.000 years of exile, the Jewish People were back in their homeland.

In a few months, Israel will celebrate its 60th anniversary. This landmark occasion is an appropriate time to examine what we have achieved. Israel's record is surprising. The Land of Israel once again flourished and bore fruit, with its plains and valleys inhabited. In a totally inhospitable scenario and amidst unbelievable setbacks - practically non-existent natural resources, hostile neighbors and many other setbacks, in just six decades a democratic, modern country was forged, one of the most advanced in the world in technology and scientific research, with standard and quality of life comparable to first world countries.

In a few days we will light the Hanukkah candles and tell our children about the miracles that, at this time, G-d performed for His people: of the oil that burned for eight days, of the few who overcame the many, of the creation of the State of Israel after millennia dispersion and many others. We will tell, as always, the glorious story of our heroes, past and present, to serve as an example and inspiration for you.

May the lights of Hanukkah inspire us, illuminating our path, in our families, in the State of Israel and throughout the world.

Hanukkah Sameach!