Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut … from memory to life

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altThe consecutive days of Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day), which is observed on the 4th of Iyar, and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), observed on the 5th of Iyar, are a time of extraordinary importance in Israel and in Jewish communities all over the world.

During the first day, we commemorate and remember the people who have fallen fighting and defending the State of Israel both before and after the establishment of the State on May 14, 1948, as well as people who died in terror attacks. The second day, we celebrate the independence of Israel as well as its people and achievements. We remember the past while we look toward the future.

In 1951, three years after the establishment of the State, David Ben Gurion, the prime minister and minister of defense, decided that Yom HaZikaron would be observed a day before Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Until then, it was observed on Yom HaAtzmaut. Understanding that families who had lost loved ones while defending Israel would not celebrate Israel’s independence while mourning, Ben Gurion, with the approval of the government, made the decision to change the date.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but there is a reason behind it. By observing these two important days one after the other, we emphasize the fact that those people who fought to defend Israel died so others could live so that Israel could exist as a state for the Jewish people. This powerful transition from commemoration to celebration is a transition from memory to life. It is such a powerful, emotional transition, and the fact that only a few hours separate the two only makes one’s feelings stronger.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut is about celebrating the miracle that is the State of Israel. We affirm the central Jewish value of love of Israel and take this time to recommit ourselves to supporting all of our sisters and brothers in Israel on their quest to forge a modern state that lives up to the grand aspirations of the Israeli Declaration of Independence. We can’t do that without commemorating our past.

It was and still is very important to me to be in Israel during Yom Ha’Atzmaut and Yom HaZikaron. It is some sort of unwritten obligation. Everyone leaves work for a few hours to go to their city, kibbutz or moshav to be a part of his or her community.

Since 1923, the year my moshav (Tel-Adashim) was founded, my community has lost 16 of its members who died defending Israel. The moshav is now home to around 1,500 people. When I walk by the memorial for these 16 people, I always know that they, and too many others, are the reason we have this beautiful country and the reason we are able to celebrate it with our families.

I would like to invite you to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers, in our Yom HaZikaron ceremony on May 5, at 8 p.m. at the Dwares JCC and to celebrate Israel’s independence day on May 6, from 5-8 p.m. with a special program: “Israel – The Soundtrack” by Mercado Sound, an initiative dedicated to creating experiences that work to shine a spotlight on the interface between music, people and places. Mijal Ben Dori, the founder, designs inspirational talks, readings, workshops, educational material and adventures that allow the audience to discover sounds, sights and artists, and empowers the audience to detect and identify reasons for being and creating. A native Israeli, Mijal is the creator and teacher of “Israel – The Soundtrack.” During her dynamic and interactive 90-minute workshop, participants gain an in-depth knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Israel, including its history, politics, people, culture, norms, values and more in a fun, effective, intellectual and creative way – through the power of Israeli music!

MATAN GRAFF is the Israeli Shaliach (Emissary) for the Jewish Alliance.