For Immediate Release		April 30, 1998

PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU: Mr. Vice President, it is difficult for me to imagine a greater pleasure -- for me and for my wife Sara -- to welcome you and Tipper on Israel's 50th anniversary here in Jerusalem. We feel you are not only a representative of the world's greatest democracy and a great ally and friend of Israel, the United States, but also a great personal friend of the Jewish people and the Jewish state. You have had plenty of opportunities to do that, but I guess it comes with the genes, because your father, well before there was an Israel, at a time of the Zionist struggle to establish independence, was of great help to us, and well before either you or I were here, you continued that tradition as an influential Congressman of the Appropriations Committee, and as Vice President, we feel indeed, as one of the great friends that Israel has in the world.

We are now approaching -- today marking -- half a century since the rebirth of Jewish independence. This has been a turbulent century and I suppose it would have looked different if we had had a Jewish state a few years earlier, and indeed if the United States had been the predominant power in the world in the first half century. Alas, neither possibility took place in reality. We do, however, feel very grateful and very fortunate that after the rise -- or coinciding with the rise of Israel -- the United States assumed the preeminent position in the world. I don't want to mention what other possibilities could have existed, because it would get us into hot diplomatic water. But you have stood by us; from the inception of the State you were the first to recognize the State, and it has been an extraordinary friendship, a friendship and a bond of values, of freedom and democracy ever since.

We are now amidst great achievements. We have had great struggles and great successes. We have built a modern country. We have united our city, our capital -- ancient capital of Jerusalem, we are building fast one of the great technological and scientific societies on earth. We are liberalizing our economy; we are doing all the things that we believe are the right things to do and we take many of our examples from what you have done in the United States. We are also in the midst of seeking to complete the circle of peace around us. It's not easy going, but it is in a inexorable path to which we are determined to complete, and complete successfully. We seek your assistance in this. You have always helped us in difficult moments, in times of triumph, in times of difficulty, and also in times of peace in seeking to advance and widen the peace.

We will talk, I am sure, about all of this on this visit, but I want to close by saying to you, Al, that as we celebrate our 50th birthday, we know you are celebrating your 50th birthday. So, it's perhaps a wonderful coincidence, that we can say to you as we say to ourselves: "Happy Birthday, and welcome from Sara and me to you and Tipper in Jerusalem." Welcome!

VICE PRESIDENT GORE: Mr. Prime Minister, the warmth of your greeting is overwhelming, and Tipper and I are so happy to be back with you and Sara. I count you as a personal friend, and it is a great honor for me to be described as a "friend of Israel." And it is -- let me say to you, and all of the distinguished Cabinet members, and the Speaker of the Knesset, and other distinguished guests assembled here, a great honor to receive this greeting, and it is the highest honor, to represent President Clinton, and the American people here in Israel at this celebration of the 50th Jubilee Anniversary of Israel's Independence.

I look forward to this visit, and to our conversations. I want you to know that as I participate in the celebrations this evening, and during these two days, I bring with me the high hopes and affection, and best wishes of all of the American people, and especially the President of the United States.

When the history is written about the unique partnership and alliance between Israel and the United States, it will be said that this friendship stands as an example to all nations. For in Israel, Americans see a reflection of our own heritage, our own struggle for freedom, and the right to live in peace with security. This unique alliance has been borne not only from a common commitment to democratic values, but our gratitude that in this troubled region, we have, and will continue to have such a courageous and steadfast ally. We stand with you, we support your dreams. From the ashes of the Holocaust arose the phoenix of the State of Israel, from the Art Museum where your independence was proclaimed, to the four corners of the world, echoes the resounding cry: "Am Yisrael Chai!" And so tonight, with your performers, and musicians, and artists, all the world will join in celebration of the miracle of your survival and revival. And America will especially join in celebration and rejoicing, and we will pray with you for as Israel faces its next 50 years, these uncertain times yield to certain truths, and most important among these, is the truth that as Israel fulfills its destiny, the United States of America will never let you stand alone.

So thank you for the friendship that you and I share, for the friendship our two people share, and for the opportunity to celebrate and to reiterate that the United States will stand side- by-side with you in your pursuit of security. We are delighted to be here. We are looking forward to the visit. Thank you.