An eight-year-old Sderot boy whose leg was blown off in a terror rocket attack this year became the ultimate symbol of Jewish survival, fortitude and courage in Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik's speech opening Israel's 60th Independence Day celebrations. The stark parallel of the child's personal story was clear to all as the Memorial Day commemorating Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terror and anti-Semitic attacks drew to a close.
Addressing the official Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem Wednesday evening, Itzik spoke of the wonders of the State of Israel, the sacrifices of those who fell in its defense, the courage of those who remain.
"The State of Israel is an extraordinary success story," she said, "a wonder by any measure. We built this magnificent enterprise with our own hands."
Itzik expressed the gratitude of the citizens of Israel to the IDF soldiers who have served their nation, to those who continue to serve and those who gave their lives over the decades in order to protect and defend this nation, and said bluntly: "The nation of Israel will never be able to pay off its debt to its fallen soldiers."
But Itzik saved her finest praise for the young child who hung on while doctors fought for days to save his life and his other leg after the battle to save his first one was lost, who despite the tragedy "keeps on laughing."
She also delivered her fiercest warning to the terrorists who robbed him of his leg and months of physical activity.
Itzik warned the terrorists whose rockets maimed little Osher and so many others: "To our enemies, the people of terror, I say: 'As long as we have one Osher Tuito among us, you don't stand a chance.'"
Itzik added, "We want peace, we seek peace for our children and also want your children's peace – [but] our children will know the deeds of war well if there is a need for it."