Israel's Independence Day

Today is Israel's Independence Day. I can't help but think that is a bit of an oxymoron. Regardless, it is a glorious day, filled with celebration and fun. Independence Day in Israel is celerated much like Independence day in America with parades, picnics, bar-b-ques and fireworks. There are carnivals and bands. People are singing and dancing and everyone is in good spirits. It is a good day. A happy day.

"Israel is still the only country in the world against which there is a written document to the effect that it must disappear."~Menachim Begin

"In Israel, in order to be a realist you must believe in miracles."~David Ben-Gurion

On May 14th, 1948, the State of Israel was established. This was just eight hours before the end of the British Mandate of Palestine. Then leader, David Ben-Gurion (who would later become Prime Minister of Israel) declared the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz Yisrael. This day would be known as Yom Ha'atzmaot. Independence Day! It was quickly recognized as a state by the Soviet Union and the United States, as well as many other countries. It was not, however recognized by the nearby Arab States, who immediatelly marched with their troops to the former British mandate area.

There is much confusion and many misconceptions on who can claim Israel as their own. One of the the best, most comprehensive and understandable articles about this was written by none other than one of my fellow hub writers, point2make. Please take a look at his hub, Palestine.....Israeli or Arab..Whose Land is it Really?

Probably the three most well known foods of Israel are:

1. Falafel, a fried chickpea patty.
2. Pita, a round flatbread.
3. Hoummous, a flavorful spread made from chickpeas.
4. Oranges are also plentiful in Israel so figure prominently in their advertisements.
5. Olives.

Having lived in Israel for 12 years, I can tell you that most Israelis would add Cous-Cous to that list, among other delicious foods. Check out my recipes in my Breakfast with Miriam series!

On Yom Ha'atzmaut, you will see many Israelis eating Al ha'aish (bar-b-que). They will probably have pita and hoummous with it and olives, too!

Israeli Independence Day is celebrated by Jews around rhe world. The establishment of a Jewish State is something to revel in! In Israel itself, it is a national holiday that is celebrated in much the same way that Americans celebrate Independence Day. In America, Jews use Yom Ha'atzmaut to express their solidarity with Israel. American Synagogues and Jewish Organizations often plan big. combined celebrations throughout the Jewish Community. Jewish Canadians celebrate much like Americans. They organise activities to celebrate Israeli customs, like folk dancing. France is home to many Morrocan Jews and they also show their solidarity by preparing traditional foods and "Walking for Israel." In the UK, the Jewish Communities prepare and organized event. They wear blue and white (the colors of the Israeli flag) and partake of some traditional refreshments.

"If you will it, it is no dream."~Theodore Herzel

While Yom Ha'atzmaut is an anniversary date. The Israeli govenment decided to declare the day before Yom HaZikaron. Memorial Day. Having grown up in America, I cannot begin to tell you what a great idea it was to do it this way. I have noticed more and more in America that Memorial Day is celebrated by a day off, picnics, parties, bar-b-ques, drinking, etc. It is hard to be solemn and honor our soldiers when you are occupied making potato salad and chilling the beer. I think Israel did it right by putting the two holidays back-to-back. On Memorial Day, you honor the people who fought/are fighting for your country. There are no picnics or parties. There are ceremonies for Veterans and families of fallen soldiers. It is a solemn, respectful, contemplative day. The following day is all about the fun. And how much more appreciative are we of our independence than after spending a day remembering how difficultly our freedom is earned.