By Kelly Rayburn
Daily Bruin Reporter
Gov. Gray Davis was in town last Thursday to wish the state of Israel a happy birthday.
California’s chief executive paid tribute to the country which, Davis spokesman Byron Tucker said, has always had a close economic and cultural connection to California.
“From the ashes of the Holocaust, and the seeds of the Diaspora, Israel has risen,” Davis said, standing in front of American, Israeli and Californian flags.
“Truly, Israel is a miracle of God. It has become, as the prophet Isiah predicted, ‘a light unto the nations.’”
Some 200 people attended an elaborate reception at the Beverly Hills Hotel, to celebrate the country’s 53rd year of independence. The event was hosted by the Consulate-General of Israel in Los Angeles.
Davis went on to acknowledge the work of Theodore Herzl, an early advocate for the creation of a Jewish State, and President Harry Truman, who was instrumental in the creation of Israel after World War II. But he saved most of his praise for the nation’s people, who he said have survived in a hostile region “by sheer force of will.”
Los Angeles mayoral candidates Antonio Villaraigosa and James Hahn, Consul General Yuval Rotem, and Rabbi Daniel Bouskila also spoke at the event.
The atmosphere was somber and reflective at times, lively and jovial at others: the anniversary of Israel was celebrated, but the struggle of Israelis in the Middle East was not forgotten.
“Israel is going through a difficult period,” Bouskila said in a speech, part of which was delivered in Hebrew. “We are gathered here tonight in joy and tragedy at the same time – that seems to be our lot in history.
“This is a very serious time, but we celebrate because we are stubborn enough to continue on, in spite of the threats to our people.”
Musical acts performed between speakers. A violin and piano duet performed “Greensleeves,” as people listened quietly. But when it came to brisker songs, attendees clapped and danced.
Consul General Rotem gave the night’s longest speech, contrasting Israel’s state one year ago with its current condition and urging non-violence as the only path to reconciliation.
“Last year at this time I expressed a great deal of optimism for Israel’s future and the chances of peace in the Middle East. And now, one year later ... how much has changed.”
Rotem went on to say there is no alternative to an eventual peace between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East. He added that it is equally important for Jews, African Americans, whites, Asian Americans and Latinos to live in harmony in Los Angeles.
Rotem also gave reasons to celebrate, saying that Israel’s population has grown tenfold since the state’s establishment, noting the “cultural and linguistic renaissance” that brought back Hebrew as many Jewish people’s first language, and observing Israel’s considerable technological advancements.
“We deserve to be proud. We have a right to be inspired,” he said.
City Attorney Candidate Mike Feuer, and actors Kirk Douglas and Ben Stein were also in attendance. But Feuer and Douglas – along with about half of the rest of the crowd –- left before Davis showed up, and Stein – clad in his usual suit, tie and “Simple” sneakers – entered when the governor was on his way out.
Davis acknowledged his own lateness, saying he was glad to catch the tail end of the event. After saying a brief hello, he switched gears, wishing happy birthday to Israel and poking fun at himself, saying, “Try as I might, Israel remains younger than me.”
Davis, who at 58 is five years older than Israel, noted that he became the first sitting California governor to visit the country when he did, with Rotem, in October 1999.