Ambassador
James B. Cunningham

Biography

Speeches

Ambassador’s remarks at the 233rd Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; delivered July 1 2009 at the Ambassador’s Residence.

Good evening. Mr. Prime Minister, Minister Lieberman, Chief Rabbis, Ministers, Members of Knesset, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, and our many American and Israeli friends: Thank you for joining us in celebrating the 233rd anniversary of the United States’s Declaration of Independence. It is a bit unconventional to celebrate July 4 on July 1, but this evening’s celebration joins an Israeli tradition of holidays that are celebrated early to accommodate Shabbat.

Let me begin by thanking our sponsors, who you will find listed in your program and see around you. It is their generous support which makes this celebration possible, and we at the Embassy are grateful for their contributions.

July 4th 1776 is the date America declared its independence in Philadelphia. But it was eleven years later, on May 14, 1787, when 55 delegates from 12 of the 13 states – Rhode Island refused to attend – met in Philadelphia for what we now know as the Constitutional Convention. The delegates included landowners, lawyers, physicians, politicians, and businessmen. They were all white men of means.

And they were not in agreement on what kind of government would be best for America. Some wanted a powerful centralized government, while others sought to limit national authority. There were even monarchists. Alexander Hamilton said that “I have no scruple in declaring… that the British government is the best in the world and that I doubt very much whether anything short of it will do in America.” Not all the delegates were committed to democracy, and some seemed only interested in claims to western lands.

Nevertheless, on July 16th, out of this divergent group and their profound differences came “The Great Compromise” that resulted in the U.S. Constitution. The oldest written constitution in the world, it was a choice between uncertain alternatives. But the Convention’s success at compromise was crucial to preserving our young nation and has shaped our political system ever since.

The Constitution states that we endeavor to form “… a more perfect union.” Not a perfect union, although that is the goal. The delegates realized that no document is perfect, but the Constitution reflects a search for common ground and solutions that can be accepted by all sides. This ingrained ideal, that there is a solution for every problem, is at the heart of American culture. In a sense this ideal is responsible for many American achievements in the past 233 years.

President Obama said in Cairo: “The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words – within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: 'Out of many, one.'”

While our histories are very different, America and Israel have much in common. Our shared values and commitment to democracy and the rule of law bind us together in friendship. Tonight, as we celebrate America’s independence, I can assure you that Israel has no better friend than America. President Obama has been clear about America’s commitment to Israel and its security.

Our steadfast relationship with Israel is not a matter for compromise, and our commitment to that relationship will be at the core of our efforts to work together in the months and years ahead towards peace, stability and prosperity in this region.

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and agreed in Philadelphia, near my home town. Summer in Philadelphia is very hot and humid – records show that the summer of 1787 was one of the hottest in memory.

Fortunately for the delegates, across the street from Independence Hall was the Indian Queen Tavern. History reveals that the delegates regularly continued their debates at the tavern, refreshing themselves with wine and beer. In that spirit, I hope that you will enjoy the rest of our Independence Day celebration and join Leslie and me in the American tradition of food, drink, and fireworks.