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Memorial & Independence Days

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A Silver Platter

So, it can be said that Memorial Day is the cause for
Independence day, as independence was partly a result of
the sacrifice of the lives of the many thousands of soldiers who died for their country. It was they who made it possible for a Jewish State to be declared, to be freely re-built, and to be lived in, in relative safety, despite the actions of surrounding enemies. It was these soldiers and fighters who, as the poet Natan Alterman put it, were the "silver platter" on which the Jewish State was handed to the Jewish people.

The Silver Platter, by Natan Alterman

The earth grows still.
The lurid sky slowly pales over smoking borders.
Heartsick but still living, a people stand by
To great the uniqueness
Of the miracle. Readied, they wait beneath the moon,
Wrapped in awesome joy before the light. - - Then soon,
A girl and boy step forward,
And slowly walk before the waiting nation;
In work clothes and heavy-shod
They climb
In stillness.
Wearing still the dress of battle, the grime
Of aching day and fired night
Unwashed, weary until death, not knowing rest,
But wearing youth like dewdrops in their hair.
- - Silently the two approach
And stand.
Are they of the quick or of the dead?
Through wondering tears, the people stare.
"Who are you, the silent two?"
And they reply: "We are the silver platter
Upon which the Jewish State was served to you."
And speaking, fall in shadow at the nation's feet.
Let the rest in Israel's chronicles be told.

Birthday Celebrations

In the weeks preceding Yom Ha'Zikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut, all Israeli schools and youth groups hold special events and run educational programmes to teach Israeli youth about both the creation of the State and the "birth pangs" that accompanied it. They also prepare their memorial ceremonies and their independence celebrations.

Officially the Yom Ha'atzmaut holiday begins with the closing ceremony of Yom Ha'Zikaron, which takes place on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem the evening before Independence Day. This is attended by State leaders from the entire political, religious, military and ethnic spectrum, and is viewed by almost the entire nation on live television.

During the day of Yom Ha'atzmaut itself, many synagogues hold special services for those who wish to pray for the continuation and growth of the State. Mostly however, it is a race to the country's national parks and tourist sites, especially those that are associated with Israel's wars. Army bases are open for public inspection, and usually bursting with young children who enjoy spending hours climbing over tanks and jeeps. Air displays excite thousands thrilled of onlookers and fireworks fill the air with colour and noise.

All over the country people celebrate in a do-it-yourself way by throwing huge street parties and dancing through the night, mirroring those who were there on May 14, 1948 when the Independent State was declared. For most, the important thing is to be with family and friends, no matter how they choose to celebrate Israel's birthday. For those with memories of the difficult days of the struggle for the birth, there is much time for reflection, remembering the "silver platter" that the new-born State was handed on.

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