Dateline Jerusalem — One week to the day after observing Holocaust Memorial Day, we stood at attention again.
We bowed our heads as the sirens wailed and everything came to a halt in Israel for Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for those who died protecting Israel and for those who were victims of terrorism.
The very next day Israelis danced in the streets celebrating the State of Israel’s 69th birthday, Yom HaAtzmaut.
Within this seven-day period, Israelis lit memorial candles.
We mourned the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, mourned the 23,544 lost heroes who died protecting Israel from its enemies, and mourned the 3,117 civilians killed in terror attacks.
But then we rejoiced!
We celebrated Israel’s Independence Day and thanked G-d for giving us this land of our ancestors. The State of Israel might only be 69 years old, but the Land of Israel has been the continuous home of Jews for over 3000 years. The transition from tears of sorrow to tears of joy, from sadness to gladness, occurred within seconds as the end of one day eased into the beginning of the next.
It is often said that there is not one family in Israel who has not experienced a loss or who has not known a family who has suffered a loss of a loved one due to war or terrorism.
Young Israeli men and women proudly serve in the military and do reserved duty.
Israel has been in a constant battle for its very existence. One cannot go to a park or public area without seeing the names of the victims engraved into walls, statues, and sculptures. Rickety old planes and half destroyed tanks and jeeps are situated at sites of battle, constant reminders of the fragility of our existence.
How blessed Israelis are to be born or live in a country where freedom and democracy exist despite it being surrounded by enemies. Often I compare it to being stranded on an island surrounded a sea of sharks.
Everyone Feels It
Yet on Israel’s Independence Day, the excitement and spirit of Israelis is contagious. Seeing the blue six-sided Star of David between two thick blue stripes on a pristine white background of the Israeli flag sent chills down my spine, goose bumps on my arms, and tears in my eyes.
Israeli flags flew from my apartment windows and shared space with my potted plants.
Even little Israeli flag toothpicks decorated my table.
Flags everywhere, hanging down sides of buildings from roof to street and from balconies and windows, on flag poles, as streamers crossing major intersections, and flying in the breeze while attached to automobile windows and roofs while drivers honked their horns.
Everywhere was a carnival-like atmosphere with dancing in the streets, fireworks lighting up the sky at night, concerts in the parks, and the aroma of exotic spiced chicken and meats roasting on barbecues.
As I watched from my window, my favorite event of the day was when Israeli fighter jets flew at extremely low altitudes as they buzzed my city at high speeds.
They were so low that I was afraid they would not clear the rooftops of the apartment buildings. They seemed so gigantic in the sky, so close to me, as though I could almost touch them. It was a surreal experience.
Yet these thundering jets gave me such an indescribable thrill, knowing that these young men and women pilots were protecting me.
It made me think of the days I was a court appointed defense attorney at an Air Force Base in California, defending civilians who got in trouble on the base.
Whenever the pilots there went on test flights, the entire courtroom emptied out, judge, JAG officers, attorneys, court personnel and others. We all ran from the courtroom to watch as the jets took off.
I am so proud of this tiny country of Israel, a country about the size of the State of New Jersey and a mere 1/19th the size of the state of California. Happy birthday, Israel.
L’hitraot. Shachar