Honored Minister, community leaders, distinguished guests, and friends!
Today we celebrate a special day. One hundred years ago, Jewish cultural autonomy began in Estonia. We are not just celebrating a law. We are celebrating a great idea that remains important today.
This chapter of history demonstrates one thing: a strong state does not fear differences. A strong society grows through them.
For thousands of years, the Jewish people have preserved their faith and traditions. Wherever Jews lived, their hearts were directed toward Jerusalem. Yet, at the same time, they always cared deeply for the country in which they lived. This is not a contradiction. This is our path. We have shown that a person can be faithful to their people and traditions while simultaneously being a good citizen, a reliable partner, and contributing to society.
One hundred years ago, Estonia showed wisdom and courage. Estonia did not ask Jews to be less Jewish. Estonia gave us the opportunity to be proudly Jewish and, at the same time, a fully-fledged part of Estonian society.
Our history also brought difficult and painful years. There was war, there was the Holocaust, there was occupation. But that is precisely why today is so important. It reminds us that it is not only people who survive—good ideas survive too.
Today, as a small but vibrant community, we still believe in these same values. We are proud of our Jewish identity. We are proud of our bond with Israel. And we are proud to be a part of Estonia and to contribute to its future.
Jews have never had to choose between Tallinn and Jerusalem. In our hearts, there is a place for both.
On behalf of the Jewish community, I thank Estonia, its leaders, and its people for making it possible to live as a Jew in Estonia freely, with dignity, and openly. Our wish is for Estonia to continue to be an example to the world in the future—a state where a person does not have to give up their identity to belong to society. A state where everyone's unique traits make us all richer.
One hundred years later, this message lives on. We enrich society not in spite of being different, but precisely because of it.
Thank you!
