The Association of German-Language Speechwriters (VRdS) has praised the Israeli Declaration of Independence as a prime example of rhetorical quality.
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, the VRdS (Association of German-Speaking Societies) highlights the rhetorical quality of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. It was read by David Ben-Gurion on May 14, 1948, in Tel Aviv during a half-hour ceremony before 250 invited guests and broadcast nationwide.
The text was created over a period of several weeks, involving multiple committees and a dozen authors who meticulously refined every word until the very last minute – a common practice when drafting important speeches and texts in politics. "It's worthwhile rereading the Israeli Declaration of Independence today. It's a prime example of rhetorical quality: concise and poetic, powerful and clear, excellent in structure, argumentation, and style. Cicero would have been delighted," recommends Jürgen Sterzenbach, Vice President of the VRdS.
The VRdS (Association of German-Speaking Jews) documents the Israeli Declaration of Independence in German translation on its website. It is part of the online project "Megilla – Jewish Life in Speeches," which presents more than 30 important speeches and figures from Jewish history and the present day, from Moses and Theodor Herzl to Golda Meir and Margot Friedländer.
Key text for understanding Israel
In terms of content, the Israeli Declaration of Independence is a key text for understanding the State of Israel and political developments in the Middle East up to the present day. It spans the historical arc from the emergence of the Jewish people, through their exile into the Diaspora and the unifying hope of return, to the international recognition of their right to re-establish a national home.
The core of the text consists of the actual Declaration of Independence, which came into effect at midnight on May 15, 1948, the establishment of the name Israel for the new state, and the exposition of its liberal character. All citizens, regardless of religion, race, or gender, are guaranteed social and political equality, as well as freedom of belief, conscience, language, education, and culture.
Israel's desire for peace
Israel's desire for peace is also expressed in the declaration. "We extend a hand to all our neighboring states and their peoples in the spirit of peace and good neighborliness," it states verbatim. After several wars in which Israel had to defend its existence, this desire for peace has increasingly prevailed over the past 75 years. While Israel continues to be threatened by enemies who do not want peace, the peace agreements with several Arab states in recent years demonstrate that the founders' desire to live in peace with their neighbors is bearing ever more fruit. (Association of German-Language Speechwriters (VRdS))
The text of the Declaration of Independence in German is here on the website of the Israeli Embassy in Germany.
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 133. You can order the newspaper free of charge here. We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
