MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS ANNUAL SALUTE TO ISRAEL PARADE RECEPTION HONORING PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU
Commemorates Israel's 50th Anniversary
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today hosted his annual breakfast reception in honor of the Salute to Israel Parade at Gracie Mansion. This year, the gathering which preceded the parade, honored Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and commemorated Israel's 50th Anniversary.
Joining the Mayor and the Prime Minister were Mrs. Sara Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's wife; Israel's Ambassadors, Mr. Dore Gold and Mr. Eliahu Ben-Ellisar; the Consul General, Mr. Shmuel Sisso; Mr. And Mrs. Jay Schottenstein, and distinguished members of the Jewish community.
"Over the last fifty years, in spite of tremendous obstacles, Israel has not been intimidated by challenge. Instead, as a nation, she has come a remarkable distance, becoming a leader in many fields. New York City is proud to have stood by Israel over this half century," the Mayor said.
"We are acutely aware of all that the United States and Israel share, democratic values and reverence for the rule of law. It is these values and principles that forged the friendship between our nations. Today, as we reflect over the last fifty years and look forward to the next century, I hope we learn to keep this relationship strong, and to enable Israel to progress toward a fair, just peace with its neighbors," the Mayor added.
The Salute to Israel Parade, a project of the Israel Tribute Committee, Inc., is the largest single gathering in the world in support of Israel. Since 1964, the Salute to Israel Parade has showcased Jewish-American traditions and celebrated the existence of the State of Israel. This year's theme is "50 and Forever", celebrating Israel's remarkable achievements in its 50 year history.
Prime Minister Netanyahu grew up in Jerusalem and the United States. He enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, where served in an elite commando, before returning to the United States to receive degrees from M.I.T. and Harvard University. In 1979, he initiated and organized an international conference against terrorism, under the auspices of the Jonathan Institute. In 1982 he assumed the position of Deputy Chief of Mission in the Israeli Embassy in Washington. Two years later he was appointed Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, where he served for four years. In 1988, he became Deputy Foreign Minister. In 1991, he led the Israeli delegation during the Gulf War, and to the Madrid Peace Conference later that year. Elected Likud Party Chairman and Prime Minister candidate in 1993, Mr. Netanyahu became Prime Minister of Israel in 1996.
The Mayor and Prime Minister Netanyahu were Honorary Grand Marshals of the parade this year.
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