Yom Hazikaron/Yom Hatzmaut

As a kehillah of NFTY Heller High, we had the opportunity of experiencing the dramatic switch between the memorial day of Yom HaZikaron and the independence day of Yom Hatzmaut

We began Yom Hazikaron with the rest of Israel on Friday night by attending a ceremony at the Kotel. It was a new environment for most of us. All of those attending stood together to listen to the words of President Rivlin as well as the other leaders of the ceremony. It began with the siren that was sounded all across the nation. I found it striking that we were able to hear this symbolic siren standing right in front of the Western Wall, surrounded by so many Israelis. I particularly liked how we all stood together not separated by gender, regardless of stream of Judaism. Something that stood out to me was the first torch lit at the ceremony. This was done by Rivlin along with two sons and a widow who lost her husband a few years ago as he was serving in the IDF. I found it heartwarming that the gratitude was shown to this mourning family as a sign of immense respect and dedication. Another part of the ceremony that stood out to me was everybody joining together in prayer, like the Mourners’ Kaddish. No matter what stream of Judaism you identify with, each person knew how much this prayer meant and understood the appreciation they owed to soldiers that had given their lives for Israel. This is similar with the Hatikva, as there was a large sense of unification amongst the crowd and ceremony participants.

                            Ceremony at the Kotel

The following day we continued to observe Yom HaZikaron. As a NFTY kehillah, we attended the ceremony for the 

memorial day as a part of Kibbutz Tzuba. It was interesting to observe how the community, that sometimes we forget lives amongst us, comes together to mourn over the losses of those who come from here, regardless of if they even knew them. Different members of the Kibbutz rose to speak and share words and songs of memory and appreciation. Specifically, the Kibbutz mourned two men who had given their lives fighting for Israel. 

The very same night after observing memorial day, we traveled to Ben Yehuda Street in order to begin Yom Hatzmaut. The switch from mourning to celebration was very intense. I had never personally experienced an instance in which a community went from such sadness to such vibrant cheer. The area was filled with loud music, dancing, food, etc. It was 

definitely some of the most fun a lot of us had had so far during our semester.

Yesterday, for Yom Hatzmaut, we celebrated by going to Palmachim Beach. It was an extremely relaxing day, where we enjoyed much free time. We shared our joy in the privilege of having Israel as a place we can call home. Many of us swam in the sea, tanned (or burned), played sports, and just hung out with friends. I can definitely say that I personally had much time to reflect and become thankful for the establishment of this state, as it has given me much opportunity and security. 

So, what do you think of the change from the memorial day to the independence day? Is it too dramatic? Is it better in theory or in practice?