Middle East

Israel marks 60th anniversary

Article published on the 2008-05-08 Latest update 2008-05-09 13:12 TU

Israeli soldiers mark Remembrance Day in Jerusalem
(Photo: Reuters)

Israel started a month of celebration of 60 years of its existence at sundown Wednesday. Sound-and-light shows in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem gave one version of the state's history, while Palestinians remember another - what they call the Naqba (catastrophe in Arabic) which saw millions become refugees.

The commemoration of the declaration of the state of Israel on 14 May 1948 will carry on through the month of May. It started at sundown last night - the beginning of a new day, according to the traditional Hebrew calendar.

Wednesday was Remembrance Day, when the country paid tribute to the 22,437 soldiers killed in action since the state was founded.

"Our entire national existence and the safety and well-being of Israeli citizens depend upon our willingness to defend ourselves," declared Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at a ceremony at the Mount Herzl national ceremony.

"There is nothing we desire more than to end the conflict with our neighbours," he added, referring to relations with Iran and neighbouring Arab states, some of which are technically at war with the Jewish state.

Israeli journalist Peretz Kidron is critical of the celebrations. He claims they are an attempt by the government to distract attention from deteriorating social conditions.

Meanwhile, Olmert's political future is uncertain. He faces three police enquiries into allegations of fraudulent property transactions and abuse of power.

US President George Bush will take part in the celebrations next week.