Happy 68th Birthday, State of Israel!
Israel abruptly crossed over from mourning to celebration on Wednesday night, as Memorial Day came to a close at sundown and Israel’s 68th Independence Day began.
Mourning and somber speeches gave way to fireworks, concerts and parties across the country as the nation transitioned to Independence Day, with flags raising from half-staff back to full….
The juxtaposition of the two days is a key part of Israelis’ experience of national mourning, ensuring that no commemoration completely excludes the achievement wrought by the sacrifice, and that the elation of independence is never far removed from an awareness of its cost….
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recorded a short video that was screened at the start of the ceremony….
In his message, Netanyahu said that the creation of the State of Israel ended the Jewish people’s dependence on others for its protection.
“Sixty-eight years ago the State of Israel was founded; it was a tremendous historic event. For thousands of years, the Jewish people longed to regain their independence and sovereignty. Today, we have it. We control our destiny, we protect our lives,” he said….
The Times of Israel- Telling Israel’s Story:
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