PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Opening of a Knesset Exhibit Marking 100 Years
of American Jewish Involvement in Israel
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Wednesday, 25 May 2016), at the
Knesset, attended the opening of an exhibit marking 100 years of American
Jewish involvement in the land of Israel both before and after the
independence of the State of Israel

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

"We are here to express deep appreciation for the great support of the US
Jewish community for the Zionist enterprise, for the State of Israel, and
for the continuing importance of the link between us, which is a fundamental
component of our national life.

I think that it is difficult to exaggerate the appreciation of this
importance and I think that our obligation to continue cultivating this link
is essential. Not just recognition, that is clear, when there is much more
familiarity and knowledge of the US Jewish community regarding Israel than
there is in Israel regarding the US Jewish community; I welcome this
important effort to change the balance.

But I think that we in Israel need to recognize that Israel is the home of
every Jew and it needs to advocate for every Jew in the world. Every Jew in
the world needs to feel that Israel is his home; this needs to be our
constant and important policy. These things are being constantly tested and
we are constantly being challenged on the question of defining our relations
with Diaspora Jews. We need to remember this link because the contribution
of the US Jewish community will be very important for us in the coming years
not only due to its utilitarianism but because there is the value of the
unity of the Jewish People and the State of Israel is the state that
represents the entire Jewish People.

I am certain and convinced that we will continue to see the welcome
immigration of young American Jews to Israel. I see this in Taglit-Project
Birthright and in other programs. They come here, they immigrate here. They
have made a great contribution not just in the free professions and in their
ability to become integrated into, and contribute to, our economy, but in
general terms, in their great intellectual ability and fervent Zionism which
they bring with them. Of course, I honor the connection with the
communities, in which there are many who study Hebrew and who come here. The
more they come, visit and immigrate here, the better it will be for both
communities, for the State of Israel and – I believe – for the US Jewish
community.

Knesset Speaker Edelstein, I am not willing to predict who will be here in
another 100 years and to rule out various possibilities, as you have ruled
them out, but I do know one thing: The Jewish People will be here and it
will enjoy the support of American Jews. Forward, to the next 100 years."