By Hannah Taylor
One of my favorite things about Israel is the intentionality it has behind its practices. For example, Yom Hazikaron, the day during which Israel remembers those who have died in battle and from terrorist attacks, immediately precedes Yom Ha’atzamaut, Israel’s day of independence. The order is thoughtful, for in order to celebrate the victory of a free Jewish nation, we must also acknowledge those that have died because of this independence. Just as the ceremonies of remembrance ended, a joyful celebration of freedom began. It allows people to fully partake in the joy of liberation, having honored those that have passed. With this in mind, Yom Ha’atzmaut brought a wave of excitement throughout the country.
In the evening of the holiday I went to Ben Yehuda street. The streets were full, from Zion Square all the way to Machaneh Yehuda, of people dancing and rejoicing. Holograms of dancers were projected on the buildings and live performers sang in the streets. People were decked out in blue and white and Israeli flags hung on the fronts of buildings. Streamers were strung across posts, declaring that today was a day of celebration. The atmosphere of the evening overall was jubilant and similar in that respect to the festivities of Purim.
The next day I went to a barbecue on Gan Sacher hosted by Rabbi Zeff and his family. Most of the cohort attended as well. Everyone brought food in the style of a potluck and some fellows tried their hand at grilling lunch. Many other families were also sprawled out on the field also enjoying the nice Jerusalem weather and celebrating the day.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the airplane show. Every few minutes military airplanes would whoosh across the clear sky over the field in a dazzling display of form and grace, performing turns and flips, all in perfect formation. Music played across the area and there was a tangible sense of joy throughout air. All were celebrating the miracle of Israel turning seventy years old. There was a sense of gratitude in the air. All rejoiced that this amazing country has existed for these and looks like it will be standing for many more. Hatikva was sung by many. To be a free nation in our land, the land of Zion, Jerusalem, rang true.
