Knesset Speaker Joseph Shprinzak:

Members of the Knesset, I take the privilege to speak in honor of this day of the 15th of Shvat that is special to the Knesset.

Last Thursday, on the 15th of Shvat, this Jewish house of legislators of the State of Israel finished its eighth year of existence. We now enter its ninth year, acknowledging that our Knesset has fortified and rallied itself to become a stable parliamentary institute, befitting and appropriate in its practices and in its proper parliamentary action.

This acknowledgment is proven in the status that the Knesset acquired for itself among parliaments of veteran and experienced nations and countries. Their appreciation is expressed in our inter-parliamentary negotiations, as well as in the opinions of various members of parliaments who come and visit us. It is also apparent from the parliamentary delegations which visited us this past year from countries such as Holland, Belgium, Yugoslavia and Uruguay.

We have learned much from the experience of others. However, we also renewed much in our own right. If there is more need to fulfill our parliamentary way, it shall arise from the development of interests of the nation and the state, which carry among them the need for great development, for the absorption of masses of the people of Israel, the descendants of Zion, and the defense over the independence of the State of Israel.

This passing year contained many great developments in Israel, uplifting our national pride, but also raising concerns and problems en-route to the strengthening and recruiting of our national abilities in our fight for existence, for now and for days to come. The processes of the eighth year are reflected in various forms in the actions of the Knesset, and it contained uplifting revelations of national unity from all members of the House, for the state and in its honor.

Through the turbulences of the past year, the Knesset was persistent at its work, fully guarding the basics of democracy and the freedom of speech and opinion – the foundations that mark the core of our national creation, and that are found in the assets of the people which the Knesset and the authorities are entrusted with their well-being.

We now enter the ninth year of the Knesset in recognition of the duties which lie upon the State of Israel, and in faith that this house of representatives will live up to its high mission.

I hereby invite you to celebrate the Knesset’s birthday.

The next sitting is tomorrow at 16:00. This sitting is adjourned.