On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, who held the title of Head of the Jewish Agency and soon thereafter became Israel’s first Prime Minister, wrote and read aloud the Israeli Declaration of Independence, officially acknowledging the land of Israel. Signed by 36 members of the People’s Council, who represented the Jewish Community in the state, and leading political and religious leaders, the Israeli Declaration of Independence became a major stepping stone for the start of Israel’s contemporary history.

It became represented as a significant cornerstone for Middle Eastern history; our country’s independence translated to becoming a sovereign nation, with which the Israeli and Jewish people can establish bonds with its past, present, and future historical and cultural presence. Like many declarations, Israel’s document constitutes several vital principles for governmental stability. Embedded within are the promises of freedom, justice, peace, and equal rights for all citizens, excluding religion, race, or gender. Though Israel has had a lengthy history of Ottoman rule, 1517 to 1917, and British rule, 1917 to 1948, the country’s freedom was recognized after the United Nations voted in November 1947 to split the land into Jewish and Arab states.

Although the plan was accepted by Jewish leadership, Arab leaders rejected the idea, leading to an invasion by the latter, causing the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Regardless of Israel’s odds, the country survived, stamping its name in history as an Israeli-Democratic state.