Israel is celebrating its 69th birthday to-day.
Each year, Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day – begins immediately following Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, in memory of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This transition from somber remembrance to joyous celebration helps serve as a reminder that the State of Israel owes its existence to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
This remarkable ability to grieve for the fallen and then rejoice in the miracle of the Jewish State is manifest in State of Israel, where the people continue to look to the future with hope and optimism.
The state ceremony that ushers in Yom Ha’atzmaut takes place at Mount Herzl, Israel’s military cemetery, by the grave of Theodor Herzl, a founder of Modern Zionism. The flag, which was at half mast for Yom HaZikaron, is raised to the top of the pole. The celebration includes soldiers marching with flags creating various formations, hundreds of dancers, and of course, fireworks.
In his special message for Israel’s 69th Independence Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the “moment of triumph for our people,” the day the state was founded.
“We had been scattered around the world for millennia. And then we returned to our ancient homeland, to build a safe haven, where we could live, and thrive,” he said.
While “many doubted that this tiny State of Israel would survive,” as the nascent state was “surrounded by hostile enemies, who attacked us again and again. So perhaps, for some, this skepticism was warranted. But survive we did.”
Not only did the new state survive. “Much more than that. We thrived,” he declared jubilantly.
“Today Israel is strong, democratic, prosperous. And I have no doubt that in the coming 69 years, Israel will continue to thrive, be strong and prosperous,” Netanyahu said.
“Our story is a story of hope, not just for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity. We persevered through adversity against all odds. Anyone fighting for a just cause, fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds, could draw inspiration from our story,” he stressed.
Heres to our friends in Israel 'לחיים'
Each year, Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day – begins immediately following Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, in memory of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This transition from somber remembrance to joyous celebration helps serve as a reminder that the State of Israel owes its existence to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
This remarkable ability to grieve for the fallen and then rejoice in the miracle of the Jewish State is manifest in State of Israel, where the people continue to look to the future with hope and optimism.
The state ceremony that ushers in Yom Ha’atzmaut takes place at Mount Herzl, Israel’s military cemetery, by the grave of Theodor Herzl, a founder of Modern Zionism. The flag, which was at half mast for Yom HaZikaron, is raised to the top of the pole. The celebration includes soldiers marching with flags creating various formations, hundreds of dancers, and of course, fireworks.
In his special message for Israel’s 69th Independence Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the “moment of triumph for our people,” the day the state was founded.
“We had been scattered around the world for millennia. And then we returned to our ancient homeland, to build a safe haven, where we could live, and thrive,” he said.
While “many doubted that this tiny State of Israel would survive,” as the nascent state was “surrounded by hostile enemies, who attacked us again and again. So perhaps, for some, this skepticism was warranted. But survive we did.”
Not only did the new state survive. “Much more than that. We thrived,” he declared jubilantly.
“Today Israel is strong, democratic, prosperous. And I have no doubt that in the coming 69 years, Israel will continue to thrive, be strong and prosperous,” Netanyahu said.
“Our story is a story of hope, not just for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity. We persevered through adversity against all odds. Anyone fighting for a just cause, fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds, could draw inspiration from our story,” he stressed.
Heres to our friends in Israel 'לחיים'