On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 we observe Yom HaZikaron, The Day of Remembrance, since the establishment of the State of Israel, four new holidays have been added to the Jewish calendar – Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day), Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day), and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day). In Israel, these holidays are observed as national holidays.

The Israeli Knesset established the day before Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence day) as Yom HaZikaron, a Memorial Day for soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the War of Independence and in other subsequent battles. (urj.org) In recent years we have also included those who have perished in terrorist attacks. My children, who attend Solomon Schechter Day School, wore black and white clothing today, just like they did on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust remembrance day) last week. Yom HaZikaron is a most solemn day. We remember those who fought for Israel’s right to exist and all that we owe to the men and women who protect our country from so many who wish it destroyed. It is a sad day when we understand that a great percentage of the thousands killed through out Israel’s history were young people, in the prime of their lives.  There is no Israeli who does not have a family member and /or friend killed in war or terrorism.

We are a people of hope, the national anthem is HaTivkah: The Hope and the day after Yom HaZikaron, is Yom HaAzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Israel became a State on the 5^th of Iyaar, corresponding to May 14, 1948. On Thursday, my kids will put on blue pants and white shirts and will have a day of celebration, study, dancing, prayers and learning about Israel. According to Jerusalem Post, “at the time of the state’s establishment 67 years ago, the population stood at some 806,000 residents; today, that number has grown to approximately 8,345,000.  Ahead of Independence Day, the Central Bureau of Statistics released its annual report with key facts and figures on Israeli demographics Tuesday. The Jewish population stands at some 6,251,000 residents, representing 74.9 percent of the total population. The Arab population is approximately 1,730,000, or 20.7% of the total population. Comprising the remaining 364,000 residents (4.4% of the total population) are non-Arab Christians, members of other religions and those with no religion listed in the population registry.

The State of Israel, holy land shared by many, is a treasure to the Jewish People, a haven and refuge. On this day, whether I agree or disagree with the politics and policies of the Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu, and no matter how frustrated I get at the Israeli Ultra-Orthodox establishment who try to enforce their beliefs and ways on all Jews, I dance with Joy and in thanksgiving that there is a Jewish State. May it be a light to the nations!

The back to back days of Yom HaZikraon and Yom HaAzmaut; from mourning to dancing is stark and difficult. Yet also teach us that life is indeed full of challenges and joy and our history teaches us that through it all we are a People who believe, who have hope that “You will turn my mourning into dancing.” (Psalm 30:11). May we find joy in our day, mat our struggles be few. May there be Shalom for all Israel and all the world.