INDEPENDENCE DAY - 25 (1973) SOUVENIR SHEET

The Proclamation of the State of Israel of May 14, 1948 defined the basic aims of the State: increased Jewish immigration and the ingathering of the exiles; zealous development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; freedom, justice and peace as envisioned by the prophets of Israel; the maintenance of complete equality of social and political rights for its citizens regardless of religion, race or sex; the assurance of freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; the protection of the Holy Places of all religions; adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

In the first 25 years of its existence, the State of Israel chalked up impressive achievements in the realization of these aims. Special efforts were made primarily in the field of immigrant absorption, expansion of settlement and the development of the country, in strengthening its administration and economy, molding society and culture, fostering welfare services and scientific projects, enhancing security, and extending the network of international ties.

Under the law of Return which stipulates that "every Jew has the right to immigrate to Israel", Israel absorbed about 1,400,000 immigrants. Immigration was especially extensive in the early years, subsequently subsided somewhat, increased once more in the middle 1950s and early 1960s, and, after another relatively quiet period, increased once again after the Six-Day War, with immigrants from the USSR and the affluent countries in the majority.

Immigration was thus the chief source of Israel ’s population increase from 650,000 inhabitants in May 1948 to more than 2,500,000 in 1973. It was also one of the main contributory factors to the development of the country, its security, economy, and society.

The large increase in population, together with the rapid growth in industrial productivity and the unprecedented amount of imported capital, stimulated the Israel economy from the very beginning to an annual growth rate of about 10%. Almost unequalled anywhere in the world, this rate of development was dictated in the main by the necessity of virtually starting the economy from scratch.

In 1973 principal branches of Israel ’s economy were agriculture, industry, construction, transportation, communications, and tourism. Agriculture is the most venerable branch of the economy in Israel, and one of the most advanced, not only in Israeli terms, but also in comparison with the most progressive countries. At the same time, industry has expanded its output more rapidly than other branches of the economy. The development of industrial exports is Israel’s chief method of achieving economic independence and improving the standard of living of its citizens,

The necessity for rapid development in a small country comparatively poor in natural resources joined with the traditional high concentration of Jews in scientific and research professions to give Israel a high level of scientific and technological progress. Scientific research is carried on in institutions of higher learning, in numerous research institutes, in large industries and in the defense establishment. Special impetus was given to scientific research in certain essential fields because of the need to provide the Israel Defense Forces with the latest and the best in arms and equipment.

In its first 25 years, Israel was forced to struggle for its actual physical existence. Three great wars were forced upon the country - the War of Independence, the Sinai Campaign, and the Six Day War - and the intervening periods could hardly be described as peaceful. Between wars, the State had to deal with widespread incidents along the borders, and to defend itself against terrorism and sabotage. Defense requirements in manpower and money, equipment and arms, in continual alertness and daily vigilance - laid their stamp on the life of the country and on the nature, effectiveness and readiness of the armed services. The Six-Day War eliminated the fear that the country might be cut in half because of the lack of strategic depth. The danger of immediate attack by planes or guns operating from across the border on the large concentrations of population in the center of the country likewise receded. Unlike the cease-fire lines of 1949, those of 1973 depended on natural barriers which were more easily defended.

So long as cease-fire agreements have not given way to peace treaties ensuring the security and safety of the country, Israel continues to adhere to the policy of maintaining the situation established by the cease-fire agreements, fortifying positions as required by security and development needs, and preparing earnestly for serious peace negotiations. Israel’s present strength would be unimaginable without the tremendous help, both spiritual and practical, contributed by the Jewish people in the Diaspora. The bond between Israel and the Jewish people works both ways. On the one hand, the Jewish people has backed the State in all its struggles throughout the years. On the other hand, the State of Israel zealously guards the rights of the Jewish people wherever they may be. This concern reached an incomparably high level in the struggle of the State of Israel for the right of Jews from the USSR and the Arab countries to immigrate to Israel.

Ties with the Jewish people are only part of Israel ’s contacts abroad. In the 25th year of independence, Israel had diplomatic or consular ties with almost 100 countries, as well as permanent delegations to five international organizations, including the UN and the European Common Market. Since its establishment, Israel has been party to about 270 multilateral international agreements, and has made contributions mainly in the fields of human rights and international law.

In the 25th year of independence, Israel welcomed the future with faith in its strength, eagerness for increased immigration, hope for the full absorption of newcomers, the desire for economic, social and cultural development, and a yearning for peace in the region and all over the world.

The sheet depicts the entire Scroll of Independence. The inscription is: "Israel - 25 years of Independence".