Knesset Speaker Kadish Luz:

Members of the Knesset. This past year was the thirteenth since the First Knesset convened for the first time, on the 15th of Shvat 1949. The Knesset has reached the age of Bar Mitzvah. Though the Knesset, which has been adjudicating laws since its first day, has always been a “Bat Mitzva,” she and the state have undergone a period of childhood, with all the weaknesses and brilliance that characterize one’s childhood days, the days of one’s beginning.

Thirteen years in the lives of states, nations and parliaments is not a long period of time. But historical times are not measured by the number of years; they are weighed by the greatness of events.

The Knesset and the state have had great times, but most of their days are mundane working days; and I am positive that these ordinary days, which we experienced since the beginning of our era, are now joining one of the greatest periods in the history of Israel. During these years, foundations were laid for the step-by-step construction and fortification of the developing State of Israel and for the growth of her population. We now reach our adolescent years and it seems to me that it is not only according to the calendar, but also in based on our current behavior. We are taken over by a feeling of normality. The Israeli citizen has grown accustomed too early to the fact of Israel’s existence. He is too confident in her power. The mood is such that one’s personal interest is greater than matters of the State. It is as if Jacob had returned, and it is peaceful and quiet, as if all tasks are complete and the danger has passed.

I would like to wish the Knesset on its Bar Mitzvah not to hurry and mature. May it persist in its youth and maintain its sense of magical creation that projects itself on the citizens of Israel and our people in the Diaspora. May it remain strong and with good will.

I invite you, Members of the Knesset, to the Knesset’s Bar Mitzvah celebration, tonight at nine.

The next sitting of the Knesset will be held tomorrow at 16:00. This sitting is adjourned.