In the modern era, Jewish sovereignty over the land of our ancestors is a relatively short phenomenon. From the time of the successful Maccabean revolt to the Roman annexation in 63 BC constitutes about 100 years of Jewish rule. Combined with Israel's independence in 1948, this is about 160 years of effective sovereignty.

In this quote, Edgar Bronfman, Sr. reflects on the relatively brief periods of Jewish sovereignty over the land of their ancestors. He emphasizes that, throughout history, Jewish control over this land has been limited, with the first notable period being the successful Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire. This revolt led to about 100 years of Jewish rule, which lasted until the Roman annexation in 63 BC, marking the end of Jewish independence in ancient times.

Bronfman further highlights that, when combined with the modern establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, there has only been about 160 years of effective sovereignty over the land. His reference to the Maccabean revolt and the Roman annexation underscores the sporadic nature of Jewish control over this territory, with long periods of foreign domination between these brief windows of sovereignty.

The quote underscores the historical significance of Israel's modern independence in 1948, considering the long stretches of time when Jewish people had no political control over their ancestral homeland. Bronfman emphasizes how remarkable and rare this sovereignty is in the context of Jewish history, given the extensive periods of foreign rule they experienced, from the Romans to the Ottoman Empire.

Ultimately, Bronfman’s words reflect a recognition of the importance of Israel’s modern statehood and the Jewish people's long struggle for self-determination. His statement serves as a reminder of the historical challenges faced by Jews in securing sovereignty and the monumental significance of the founding of Israel in 1948.