Thank you to the many who sent me birthday wishes. You warmed my heart.
On this occasion, I would like to share with you the words my late father, Professor Benzion Netanyahu, said on his 100th birthday 14 years ago.
They are still true today:
“I am much moved by the fact that you have gathered to express your well wishes on my birthday. You have said many fine things that stirred my heart. But since time is short, I will limit my remarks to one general comment:
The existence of the Jewish people is put into question by the threats to annihilate us which are openly declared by our enemies.
On the one side, Iran vows that soon Zionism will be destroyed.
On the other, the people of Israel are showing the world how a nation should behave when faced with an existential threat: stare unflinchingly at the danger, calmly consider what needs to be done and what can be done, and be ready to enter the fray when the chances of success are reasonable.
A powerful stance requires tremendous inner strength. The people of Israel show today that they have such strength, and this leads to my certain belief that our people will roll back this danger to its existence. With the expression of this belief, I end my remarks.”
