Special reception celebrates Israel’s independence day

By Kelly Rayburn
Daily Bruin Reporter

Gov. Gray Davis was in town last Thursday to wish the state of
Israel a happy birthday.

California’s chief executive paid tribute to the country
which, Davis spokesman Byron Tucker said, has always had a close
economic and cultural connection to California.

“From the ashes of the Holocaust, and the seeds of the
Diaspora, Israel has risen,” Davis said, standing  in
front of American, Israeli and Californian flags.

“Truly, Israel is a miracle of God. It has become, as the
prophet Isiah predicted, “˜a light unto the
nations.'”

Some 200 people attended an elaborate reception at the Beverly
Hills Hotel, to celebrate the country’s 53rd year of
independence. The event was hosted by the Consulate-General of
Israel in Los Angeles.

Davis went on to acknowledge the work of Theodore Herzl, an
early advocate for the creation of a Jewish State, and President
Harry Truman, who was instrumental in the creation of Israel after
World War II. But he saved most of his praise for the
nation’s people, who he said have survived in a hostile
region “by sheer force of will.”

Los Angeles mayoral candidates Antonio Villaraigosa and James
Hahn, Consul General Yuval Rotem, and Rabbi Daniel Bouskila also
spoke at the event.

The atmosphere was somber and reflective at times, lively and
jovial at others: the anniversary of Israel was celebrated, but the
struggle of Israelis in the Middle East was not forgotten.

“Israel is going through a difficult period,”
Bouskila said in a speech, part of which was delivered in Hebrew.
“We are gathered here tonight in joy and tragedy at the same
time ““ that seems to be our lot in history.

“This is a very serious time, but we celebrate because we
are stubborn enough to continue on, in spite of the threats to our
people.”

Musical acts performed between speakers. A violin and piano duet
performed “Greensleeves,” as people listened quietly.
But when it came to brisker songs, attendees clapped and
danced.

Consul General Rotem gave the night’s longest speech,
contrasting Israel’s state one year ago with its current
condition and urging non-violence as the only path to
reconciliation.

“Last year at this time I expressed a great deal of
optimism for Israel’s future and the chances of peace in the
Middle East. And now, one year later … how much has
changed.”

Rotem went on to say there is no alternative to an eventual
peace between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East. He added that it
is equally important for Jews, African Americans, whites, Asian
Americans and Latinos to live in harmony in Los Angeles.

Rotem also gave reasons to celebrate, saying that Israel’s
population has grown tenfold since the state’s establishment,
noting the “cultural and linguistic renaissance” that
brought back Hebrew as many Jewish people’s first language,
and observing Israel’s considerable technological
advancements.

“We deserve to be proud. We have a right to be
inspired,” he said.

City Attorney Candidate Mike Feuer, and actors Kirk Douglas and
Ben Stein were also in attendance.   But Feuer and
Douglas ““ along with about half of the rest of the crowd
““- left before Davis showed up, and Stein ““ clad in his
usual suit, tie and “Simple” sneakers ““ entered
when the governor was on his way out.

Davis acknowledged his own lateness, saying he was glad to catch
the tail end of the event. After saying a brief hello, he switched
gears, wishing happy birthday to Israel and poking fun at himself,
saying, “Try as I might, Israel remains younger than
me.”

Davis, who at 58 is five years older than Israel, noted that he
became the first sitting California governor to visit the country
when he did, with Rotem, in October 1999.