Israel Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron) and
Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut)
Israel Memorial Day was once of the most meaningful days I have ever experienced. Just like Jewish holidays Israel Memorial Day starts at sundown and the following day at sundown Israel Independence Day. At Sundown on May 10th I went to a Masa program at Latrun - the armed corps museum/memorial. There were about 5,000 people from all over the world. The program consisted of sharing the stories of 7 people who were killed as a soldier or were a victim of terror. At the ceremony a one minute siren went off for the start of Yom Hazikaron. The stories were shared by family and friends and each story tested your emotions. I had the honor of joining a female IDF soldier along with the head of the North American Jewish National Federation to hang a reef in commemoration for the fallen soldiers and victims of terror. I was chosen to represent Hebrew University Rothberg International School and it was truly meaningful being on stage representing the world Jewry. The next day, I went to Har Herzl where there were a million family members and soldiers visiting the graves of their lost loved ones. Every grave had an Israeli flag in it and flowers on top. It broke my heart when I saw a grave with an entire army unit surrounding it and seeing that the soldier was killed this year. Israel came together here to all mourn those who lost their lives to terror, who fought for the protection and safety of Israel. Then I went to a ceremony in Har Herzl where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as the IDF Chief Staff Gadi Eizenkot. During the Ceremony the two minute siren went off. Everyone wears white on this day and it was beautiful to see Israel come together. That night was something so amazing to see at 9pm fireworks went off in every city around Israel to start the celebration of independence day. The scene in Israel went from sorrow to celebration. I went to Ramat HaSharon and everyone was dancing on the streets - from babies to grandparents everyone was celebrating Israel. There were musical performers as well as street food and Israel props surrounding the outskirts of the streets. The next day I went to a party on Herazaliya Marina. Once again everyone was wearing white and blue celebrating the birthday of Israel. The DJ was on a boat and the day was dedicated to dancing and being with friends.