Sarah Ludford joined in Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations

10.46.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

Sarah Ludford joined in the Trafalgar Square celebrations on Sunday June 29th of the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel and is photographed here enjoying the festivities with the Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor and the Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks.

Sarah Ludford and Ambassador Ron Prosor

Sarah said: "As a member of the Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel I stand squarely in support of Israel's right to exist in security and without constant and ongoing challenges to its legitimacy as a state. I certainly do not endorse all the policies of this - or any - Israeli government, but differences should not derail close relations between the UK and Israel and between the EU and Israel."

Sarah and Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks

"The principal need is for dialogue between the parties with the support of their friends leading to the achievement of peace with an Israeli and Palestinian state living side by side and cooperating for the prosperity and development of their people. For that to happen, Israel must be prepared to make concessions but first Hamas has to renounce its violence and dedication to Israel's destruction."