*Administration of Barack Obama, 2013 *

**Statement on Israeli Independence Day **

*April 16, 2013 *

On the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, I join my fellow Americans in wishing the Israeli people a joyous Independence Day. On this date 65 years ago, the Jewish people realized their dream of the ages: to be masters of their fate in their own sovereign state. From that moment on, a free and independent Israel has had no greater friend and ally than the United States. As I said during my visit to Israel last month, our two nations stand together because it makes our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and it makes the world a better place.

Among the many memories I will always cherish from my visit will be my time at Mount Herzl. There, I was honored to pay tribute to Theodor Herzl, who did so much to realize the dream of an independent Israel, to the Presidents and Prime Ministers who guided her, and to those in uniform who have laid down their lives to protect her. The strong and prosperous Israel we see today proves Herzl's vision: "If you will it, it is no dream." On this anniversary, we reaffirm the unbreakable alliance between our two nations and our shared determination to realize the dreams of our people to live in security and peace.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Israeli Independence Day*.*

*Subjects:* Israel : Independence Day; Israel : Relations with U.S.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201300247.