“Israel is currently facing a hard struggle. I call on everyone to realize that we’re all in a struggle we must win. We must act calmly, without wailing or crying. This is no time for tears,” said Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today. He was speaking at the opening of the Globes Initiative “Business and Community” conference at the Tel Aviv David Intercontinental Hotel.
“The time has come for people to stop complaining and crying on each other shoulders. Everyone must do their best,” Sharon added.
Sharon called for greater personal effort and voluntarism. “Israel’s economy is in trouble. The state’s capacity has shrunk. You, the businesspeople, must fill the gap. It’s hard to ask for more from those already volunteering, but I call on you to make the effort.”
Sharon avoided spelling out his position on the economic plan being prepared by the Ministry of Finance, commenting only on the budget discussions.
Sharon said, “We will all have to make an effort and lower our standard of living. I expect everyone to understand that we must postpone demands, however justified, because we’re in a difficult struggle. As usual in times like these, many ministries are warning about collapse and crashes. There is hardship, but we’re a long way from collapse. The Israeli economy is basically strong and healthy. It’s in our hands. Act, manufacture and export, and the government will do its bit.”
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on March 11, 2003