Happy 70th Birthday!!!

Through many trials and almost continual attacks, the tiny state of Israel has done it! They have not only stood strong against their enemies which surround them on every side, they have flourished for 70 years! A land which was once barren and desolate has now become a lush green oasis teeming with animals and an abundance of produce. With the exception of pineapple, Israel grows and exports every type of fruit and vegetable. God has truly blessed the land of Israel and its people.

Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel's Independence Day)
Israel's Independence Day is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of Israel. This year, Israel's Birthday begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 18 and ends at sundown on Thursday, April 19. The original date of Israel's independence on the Gregorian calendar was May 14, 1948.

History
On May 14, 1948, the soon-to-be Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, publicly read a declaration of independence.  It was recognized by the USA, Soviet Union and other countries. However, Israel's independence was not recognized by the surrounding Arab nations.

Celebrating
Other than official ceremonies which take place across Israel, many folks celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut in a variety of ways. In cities, there are nighttime festivals found in the downtown areas. Folks will gather to watch free public shows offered by their local municipalities. Many spend the night dancing Israeli folk dances or singing Israeli songs. During daylight, many families spend time together going on picnics and hikes. Yom Ha'atzmaut is concluded with the ceremony granting the Israel Prize, which recognizes individual Israelis for their contribution to their country's culture, science, arts and humanitarian efforts.

There is not yet an established tradition of how to celebrate Israel's Independence Day. Certain customs, foods, songs and prayers have yet to be established with this holiday. However, Jews both in Israel and around the world join together for this holiday celebration which has become a key link in cementing the Jewish people to the land of Israel.


Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day)
Israel's birthday celebrations are always preceded by Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers. This year, Yom Hazikaron will commence at sundown on Tuesday, April 17 and end at sundown on Wednesday, April 18. The message linking these two remembrance days is clear--Israelis owe their independence, and thus their very existence as a state, to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for it.

The official switch from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha'atzmaut takes place a few hours after sundown. A ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem takes place in which the Israeli flag is raised from half staff (in remembrance of Memorial Day) to the top of the flagpole. The ceremony continues with a speech by the president of Israel, a speech by the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), artistic performances, and a parade. The evening parade is followed by a torch lighting ceremony (hadlakat masuot), which marks Israel's achievements. Twelve individuals, who made significant social contributions, are selected to light the torches.

Although Memorial Day in the United States is a widely celebrated holiday, Memorial Day in Israel has a much deeper meaning for the state. With the recent establishment of Israel's independence and its near constant conflicts with its neighbors, most Israelis have at least one family member who has perished fighting for the land's freedom. Conscription in Israel's military is required for almost all citizens age 18 and older. Considered a rite of passage in Israel, when one turns 18, s/he is drafted into the military. Men serve three years while women serve about 1.5 years.


Ways to celebrate
To celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut:

1. Host a party of a special meal to celebrate the occasion. Like Independence Day in the USA, break out the grill and throw some food on the BBQ. Also, find an Israeli recipe that appeals to you and give it a try. (For those with a sweet tooth, I suggest Israeli chocolate cake!)

2. Change your Facebook profile photo to that of the Israeli flag. Wish Israel a Happy Birthday on social media.

3. Pray for Israel and for its freedom. Use this day as a time for study and reflection on how Israel can have meaning in our lives.

4. Explore ways to connect with Israel. Find a charity in Israel and consider donating to it.

5. Day to Praise: Join Israel and Jews and Christians from around the world as they celebrate Israel's Independence Day. Psalms 113-118 are recited in celebration of Israel's redemption from the land of Egypt to the end times. These Psalms are called the Hallel and are a direct praise to God. For more information about this event, please visit: www.daytopraise.com