Today, Israel marked the Memorial Day, a day of tears, sad songs, and even sadder stories. As the siren went off at 11 AM sharp, everyone stopped whatever they were doing for a moment of silence. This is what it looked like.
Then, paradoxically, grief gave way to joy as the Memorial Day turned into the Independence Days, with its torch-lighting ceremonies, dancing in the streets, and of course the obligatory BBQs.
This idea that no celebration is complete without a mention of the price tag is so central to our psyche that on Passover we literally sandwich the freedom of matza with the bitter slavery of maror. Our independence is so sweet precisely because it cannot be taken for granted, certainly not know when new ways of anti-Semitic “anti-Zionism” are sweeping over the “enlightened” democracies.
As for me, after living in this country for over 15 years, I am just as in love with the breathtaking views, the warmhearted people, and the unmatched Jewish experience as I was the day I walked off the plane.
It’s the place I call home.
Happy Birthday Israel!
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Happy Birthday!
thank you for sharing this! i can picture being a part of the “price tag” and the “celebration” right there with you! excellent analogy, btw. excellent, indeed.
Thank you very much. Love your blog