Tag Archives: Yom Ha’atzmaut

How strange this time is for us here in Israel. Along with a good deal of the world, we’ve coped with the restrictions required because of coronavirus: the social distancing and isolation, the avoidance of public gatherings. And we have coped quite well. Ah, but now it is quite a …

It’s Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, and, as remarked upon by both local and foreign observers, the country swings in a schizophrenic kind of way from the mourning, sorrow and remembrance of Yom Hazikaron to the flag-waving patriotism and general merry-making of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Prayers marking the transition from the …

ISRAEL AT 70. The 70th anniversary of the State of Israel is celebrated this week. Israel is one of the great achievements of modern history. But of course the backers of BDS don’t agree. They can’t be too proud of themselves because they haven’t achieved a thing apart from slogans …

Every year I write about this, and every year it astounds me yet again: The transition within a moment in time from mourning to joy, from Yom Hazikaron – Memorial Day, when we remember those who died for our country, to Yom Ha’atzmaut – Independence Day, when we rejoice for …

Or: How did nationalism get such a bad rap? And: What’s a proud Israeli to do? People on the left side of the political spectrum talk about nationalism as if it is a dirty word, something to be discarded for global(homogen)ization. During the election campaign in the USA, many Americans …

This week we will be celebrating the 69th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Jewish State – Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut – preceded by Yom Hazikaron where we remember those who fell in the defence of the State of Israel. This comes on the back of efforts formalised 120 years …

In a thousand ways, Israel is different from all other nations in the world – and the observance of Yom HaZikaron followed immediately by Yom HaAtamaut is, I believe, one of those ways. Yesterday was Yom HaZikron – Memorial Day for all those who have fallen for the the State …

HATIKVAH Question. What is the origin of Hatikvah? Is it really by a drunken poet? Answer.    Don’t denigrate any poem on the basis that the author may have had bouts of alcoholism. Misery often seems to dog the poetical soul. If you view film clips of people coming out into …

Yom Ha’azma’ut – Israel Independence Day.  It is 67 years since Ben Gurion announced the establishment of the State of Israel, on the Hebrew date of Iyyar 5, which that first year corresponded to May 14.  (Today is only the 4th of Iyyar – celebrations were moved up to avoid …

Israel is an ancient nation, celebrating the 66th year of her rebirth.       And there is a great deal to celebrate, my friends. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Ben-Dror Yemini, writing about the paradoxes in how Israel is seen, says (emphasis added): “…there is one thing [Israel’s founders] definitely didn’t know: That …

  Last night flags were waved, toes were tapping and people were singing along as the Victorian community came together to celebrate Israel’s 66th birthday.     The Melbourne Recital Centre, provided the perfect venue for ths incredible celebration. Young and old celebrated as they revelled in Israel’s rich tapestry …