Israel celebrates 60th Independence Day

Israel is marking its 60th anniversary of Independence Day with a great sense of pride - but also uncertainty about its future. AS Israelis celebrate the 60th anniversary of the independence of their fledgling country, many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank still consider today’s date as a mark of a great catastrophe.

Both sides are still caught up in extremely fragile diplomatic negotiations to bring some sort of peace to the region so families can live alongside each other and practise their religions.The 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence is still controversial with borders around Jerusalem and Gaza still very hot topics.

Meanwhile, Governor Linda Lingle is headed to Jerusalem next week for a historic conference. On Sunday, the governor spoke about the upcoming trip during an Israel Independence Day celebration here in Hawaii. Lingle was invited by Israel President Shimon Peres. World leaders plan to discuss the future of the Middle East with an emphasis on Israel. “Former head of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev will be there. Henry Kissinger will be there and while I am out of my league among these people, they invited me so I’m going anyway,” said Gov. Lingle.

Lingle will be the only U.S. governor attending the event. The visit to Israel will also celebrate the country’s 60th anniversary.

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