To be an Israeli, you must Learn from the past, Live in the present, and Look to the future.
Over the next ten days, there are three observances on our calendars:
Yom Hashoah, יום השואה, Yom Hazikaron, יום הזכרון, and Yom Ha’Atzmuat, יום העצמאות.
What is the significance of the dates and the link between all three? These observances, Yom Ha'Atzmuat, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Hashoah, are not just dates on a calendar. They are a testament to our resilience, our courage, and our unity as a people.
Israel declared Independence on May 14th, 1948, the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew Calendar, Yom Ha'Atzmuat. Seventy-seven years ago, the country leaders understood that the joy of statehood was tempered by the loss of life suffered by those fighting for and defending the Jewish Homeland.
Therefore, Yom Hazikaron was established on the 4th of Iyar 1951, the day before Yom Ha'Atzmuat, and enacted in law in 1963 for those who died in the War of Independence, recognizing that without their service, there would be no opportunity to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmuat. Later, an amendment was to include civilian victims of terrorism, and the official observance is called Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars of Israel and Victims of Actions of Terrorism, יוֹם הזִּכָּרוֹן לְחַלְלֵי מַעַרְכוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל וּלְנִפְגְעֵי פְּעֻלּוֹת הָאֵיבָה. Our tears of sorrow on the 4th. Turn into tears of joy on the 5th.
To understand Yom Hashoah's date, you must know its full name: "Yom HaShoah Ve-haGevurah" -- "the Holocaust and courage יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה." The observance was established also in 1951, and the government chose the date of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising because it symbolized Jews fighting back. The nascent state of the Jewish People wanted to embody the courage and resilience of the Jewish spirit shown by these men, women, and children. This resilience is a source of pride and strength for us all.
Learn from the past
"It could never happen here" has been proven wrong again and again throughout history. The determination of the founders of Israel to be the defenders of "never again" has been felt by Jews worldwide these past few years.
Tides have changed. Where popular sentiment thought that Israel depended on Diaspora Jews for support, it is the Diaspora Jews who now need a strong Israel to defend, protect, and advocate in their home countries.
Our enemies will use the schisms within the Jewish people as a weapon. We must remember we are one people, Achdus Yisrael, Jewish Unity. Our strength lies in our unity, as the perpetrators of evil do not distinguish between religious, secular, left, and right. It's our unity that makes us a strong and resilient community.
Live in the Present
Display an Israeli Flag, the symbol of sovereignty over our Homeland and state of Israel.
Do not shy away from difficult conversations about Israel. Instead, engage in open and honest dialogue. Through these conversations, you can foster understanding, empathy, and a stronger sense of unity within our community.
Support Israeli products and technology and plan a visit to see the wonderful country we call home. By doing so, you are contributing to Israel's growth and experiencing the beauty of our Homeland. Your actions matter, and you are an integral part of Israel's future. Let's show our support in tangible ways, strengthening our bond with Israel and helping it thrive.
During this time period, light a memorial candle for all those who perished at the hands of evil, fell in battle in defense of Israel, died at the hands of a terrorist attack for being an Israeli, and for the victims throughout the world for being born a Jew.
As in years past, we will visit a national park with historic significance in the War of Independence.
Look to the Future
(my hopes, dreams, and prayers)
Our hostages will return home, our reservists will return to their families, and we will rebuild all of the communities ravaged by war.
Israel will be a partner and not an enemy of its neighbors.
We no longer jump when we hear a motorcycle whiz by thinking it's a missile siren.
Jews worldwide can show their solidarity with their Jewish Homeland without retribution.
Instill a love for the Jewish People and the Land of Israel to your children and grandchildren.
Together, we will recite Hallel, psalms 113-118, a prayer of thanksgiving expressing gratitude for G-d's kindnesses and the miracles He has performed. Am Yisrael Chai.
To be an Israeli, you must Learn from the past, Live in the present, and Look to the future.
Over the next ten days, there are three observances on our calendars:
Yom Hashoah, יום השואה, Yom Hazikaron, יום הזכרון, and Yom Ha’Atzmuat, יום העצמאות.
What is the significance of the dates and the link between all three? These observances, Yom Ha'Atzmuat, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Hashoah, are not just dates on a calendar. They are a testament to our resilience, our courage, and our unity as a people.
Israel declared Independence on May 14th, 1948, the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew Calendar, Yom Ha'Atzmuat. Seventy-seven years ago, the country leaders understood that the joy of statehood was tempered by the loss of life suffered by those fighting for and defending the Jewish Homeland.
Therefore, Yom Hazikaron was established on the 4th of Iyar 1951, the day before Yom Ha'Atzmuat, and enacted in law in 1963 for those who died in the War of Independence, recognizing that without their service, there would be no opportunity to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmuat. Later, an amendment was to include civilian victims of terrorism, and the official observance is called Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars of Israel and Victims of Actions of Terrorism, יוֹם הזִּכָּרוֹן לְחַלְלֵי מַעַרְכוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל וּלְנִפְגְעֵי פְּעֻלּוֹת הָאֵיבָה. Our tears of sorrow on the 4th. Turn into tears of joy on the 5th.
To understand Yom Hashoah's date, you must know its full name: "Yom HaShoah Ve-haGevurah" -- "the Holocaust and courage יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה." The observance was established also in 1951, and the government chose the date of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising because it symbolized Jews fighting back. The nascent state of the Jewish People wanted to embody the courage and resilience of the Jewish spirit shown by these men, women, and children. This resilience is a source of pride and strength for us all.
Learn from the past
"It could never happen here" has been proven wrong again and again throughout history. The determination of the founders of Israel to be the defenders of "never again" has been felt by Jews worldwide these past few years.
Tides have changed. Where popular sentiment thought that Israel depended on Diaspora Jews for support, it is the Diaspora Jews who now need a strong Israel to defend, protect, and advocate in their home countries.
Our enemies will use the schisms within the Jewish people as a weapon. We must remember we are one people, Achdus Yisrael, Jewish Unity. Our strength lies in our unity, as the perpetrators of evil do not distinguish between religious, secular, left, and right. It's our unity that makes us a strong and resilient community.
Live in the Present
Display an Israeli Flag, the symbol of sovereignty over our Homeland and state of Israel.
Do not shy away from difficult conversations about Israel. Instead, engage in open and honest dialogue. Through these conversations, you can foster understanding, empathy, and a stronger sense of unity within our community.
Support Israeli products and technology and plan a visit to see the wonderful country we call home. By doing so, you are contributing to Israel's growth and experiencing the beauty of our Homeland. Your actions matter, and you are an integral part of Israel's future. Let's show our support in tangible ways, strengthening our bond with Israel and helping it thrive.
During this time period, light a memorial candle for all those who perished at the hands of evil, fell in battle in defense of Israel, died at the hands of a terrorist attack for being an Israeli, and for the victims throughout the world for being born a Jew.
As in years past, we will visit a national park with historic significance in the War of Independence.
Look to the Future
(my hopes, dreams, and prayers)
Our hostages will return home, our reservists will return to their families, and we will rebuild all of the communities ravaged by war.
Israel will be a partner and not an enemy of its neighbors.
We no longer jump when we hear a motorcycle whiz by thinking it's a missile siren.
Jews worldwide can show their solidarity with their Jewish Homeland without retribution.
Instill a love for the Jewish People and the Land of Israel to your children and grandchildren.
Together, we will recite Hallel, psalms 113-118, a prayer of thanksgiving expressing gratitude for G-d's kindnesses and the miracles He has performed. Am Yisrael Chai.
