In Israel, they commemorate the day before as the most solemn day of the modern calendar, Yom HaZikaron, remembering those who died as a result of war and terror.

Yom HaZikaron begins on the evening of Sunday, May 4. Sirens will sound . and the entire population will stop and stand for a moment of silence. Even the cars on the highway stop. All Israel mourns those who died defending the country.

Then late Monday afternoon there will be a quiet transition from extreme sadness to extreme joy. Monday evening is the beginning of Yom HaAtzmaut, when Israelis will wildly celebrate 66 years of independence. You can join in the transition service that will take place at our Congregation YOZMA in Modiin. It is being live streamed Monday at 11 am ET and you can view it here

It's a deliberate transition that symbolizes the extremes of living in a country where life seems always on the edge between the tragedy of loss and euphoria of not only survival but progress and prosperity against tall odds.

An amazing two days in an amazing country.

Chag Ha'atzmaut Sameach

Les Rothschild

President

ARZA Canada

Commemorate and Celebrate

Rani Jaeger on Israel Independence Day: Natan Alterman's

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The transition between Israel's memorial day (Yom HaZikaron) and the independence celebration (Yom HaAtzmaut) is a sharp emotional reverse turn.

Rani Jaeger of the Shalom Hartman Institute describes this transition through the famous poem "Silver Platter", by Natan Alterman.

A word on the Silver Platter:

"The Silver Platter" is a famous poem by Israeli poet Natan Alterman. Chaim Weizmann once said "A state is not handed on a sliver platter", to signify the sacrifices that would be needed to build a country. In response, Alterman wrote that the youth who died so that Israel could be born were "the silver platter on which the Jewish state was given to you."

Weary beyond bounds, deprived of respite

Exhuding the sweet dew of Hebrew youth, Silent, the pair shall approach and stand without motion.

Without sign that they be living or deceased Then shall the Nation, drenched in tear and enchantment, ask: Who are you?

And the silent pair shall answer without words, "We are the silver platter upon which the Land of the Jews, to you has been offered."

So shall they speak and, shades, shall fall at her feet And the rest shall be recounted in the History of Israel

You can hear the poem "Silver Platter" (Magash HaKesef) with music, sung by Israeli legend Yehoram Gaon.

Women in the IDF

Women continue to make great strides in the Israel Defense Forces. Here are some inspiring examples of IDF women, including an intelligence commander, platoon commander, Iron Dome operator, and an Israeli-Arab combat soldier