The Emotional Rollercoaster

The contrast of Yom Ha’zikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’atzamaout (Independence Day) is a crazy ride to live through. I spent those days in Israel on two consecutive years, and I was blown away both times by the contradiction and emotion of the two days.

In the United States, Memorial Day is a day off for going to the pool and barbecue with friends. It is a fairly relaxed day and kids are excited to miss school. In Israel, most everyone was in the army. Everyone knows somebody that has been killed in war or terrorism. Israelis are still fighting the battle today, and the entire nation truly mourns on Yom Ha’zikaron.

At sundown, the entire nation begins to celebrate. People turn from tears to songs of joy in an instant. Israel will turn 61 tomorrow, and many Israelis remember the war and radio address from David Ben Gurion that brought Israel from a fantasy to a reality.

I will be celebrating Israeli Independence in proxy this year, and hope everyone has a meaningful Yom Ha’zikaron and Yom Ha’atzamaout. Happy birthday Israel.