Happy Birthday Israel!!!

Independence Day is celebrated in Israel much like it is anywhere else in the world--fireworks, picnics, etc. However, it is interesting to note that in Israel, Independence Day is immediately preceded by Memorial Day. This is to remind us of the heavy price that we have had to pay for independence.

Memorial Day is a very sad day here, as there is practically no one in Israel who does not know someone who was killed in the line of duty. On the eve of Memorial Day, a siren is sounded and we stand in silence. A second siren is sounded the following morning. Schools have memorial ceremonies for their fallen graduates and teachers and then there are ceremonies in all of the military cemeteries.

As the day draws to an end, the mood gradually changes. In the evening, as the sun sets, we begin to joyously celebrate our independence. It is very difficult to describe the transition from such a sad day to such a happy day, yet perhaps this is symbolic of the entire "Israeli experience"--we have great sorrow for all those who have died in wars and acts of terrorism, yet we take great pride in our country and even after 52 years, Israelis feel "elated" at having a country of their own.