Speech of Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek delivered on the occasion of Israel's Independence Day in Prague on 24 April 2007

Dear Mr. Ambassador, Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

We've come here to together celebrate Israel's Independence Day. I want to say on behalf of all the Czech people that we regard this day with joy, pride, and humility.

We regard this day with humility because we know what preceded the declaration of the independence of the Jewish state. And we were there and participated!

We welcome this day with pride because we've had the opportunity to take part in the fight of Israelis for their country. And once again, we were there are participated!

We welcome this day with sincere joy because the state of Israel carries the same values as the values we cherish and defends its stance in a region where freedom and democracy live a precarious life. And we want to be there and participate again!

Three months ago, I had the honor to deliver a speech commemorating the victims of Shoah. I spoke about the correlation between preserving our freedom and the ability to learn from the past. Now, I want to add that our future depends on our respect for freedom.

For me, freedom is the main reason for celebrating the creation of Israel. Bad historical conscience would not be enough. Even the good feeling about our military assistance would not be sufficient. Both would just not be enough. Because it is not enough to keep looking to the past.

If we are to look to the future – and I want to do that – I see Israel, more than anything else, as the Near East representative of the same values that we consider important in Europe.

I want to emphasize that our close alliance cannot be – and it isn't – based solely on past injustices or the mere help in the fight for freedom. It must stem from the awareness that freedom is the greatest value we share, a value that serves as a reference point for everything else, a value bestowed on us by a higher power.

When I look at Israel's persistent and successful fight to protect civilization against barbarian attacks, I am optimistic. I believe that one day this troubled region will be united by shared values. It will thrive with freedom, security, prosperity, and peace.

Israel is an island of positive divergence, an enclave of freedom and democracy in a very complicated and volatile region. That is the main reason why we must and want to support your endeavors. The reason why we celebrate your Independence Day with such joy.

I always say that Europe does not have geographical borders. Europe is everywhere where people cherish clearly defined values. In this sense, Israel is a European country. And to a large extent, our civilization is a Jewish civilization.

I have confidence that Israel will keep celebrating its Independence Day for many years to come. I believe that Israel will see the day when former enemies will forge a strong partnership for peace and prosperity, similar to what European nations have done. I wish you and all of us the best of luck in achieving this goal. Shalom!