Flags of India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Israel and Jamaica waving in the courtyard of the UN building in New York.

On May 14th, 1948, David Ben-Gurion announced the establishment of the Jewish State in Israel.  Ben-Gurion, who was the country’s first prime minister, went to Tel Aviv to make the announcement, and despite the requested secrecy of those invited to the event, half of the city awaited Ben Gurion outside of the Tel Aviv Museum.

“By the virtue of our historical and natural right, and based on the United Nations General Assembly Resolution we declare the establishment of a Jewish state in Israel,” Ben-Gurion said.

Time Magazine would later name Ben-Gurion one of the 100 most important people of the 20th century.

To watch part of his speech from 1948, click below.