[img]96|left|Shachar||no_popup[/img]Dateline Jerusalem — Exactly a week after Israelis mourned the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, Israelis observed Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, for those who died protecting Israel from its enemies and those who were victims of terrorism.
Just like last week, the sirens wailed as all activity in the country came to a halt as drivers and pedestrians stood at attention with heads bowed down to honor those who lost their lives. The air raid sirens were sounded for two minutes at night and the following morning.
I was waiting for an x-ray when the sirens went off during the day. The technicians, receptionists and other patients all stood, tears flowing from our eyes.
It is said that there is not one family in Israel who has not experienced a loss, known a family who has not suffered, or does not have a loved one serving in the military or doing reserve duty.
For 62 years, Israel has been in a constant battle for it very existence. Throughout the country there were memorial services. Most city parks have the names of these heroes and victims of terror engraved into walls or sculptures. TV shows were devoted exclusively to the victims of war and terror, profiling many of them and their grieving families.
As Yom HaZikaron ended after sundown, the country immediately went from a somber mood to that of rejoicing and celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut (ha-ahtz-mah-oot), Israel's Independence Day. The State of Israel may only be 62 years old. But the land has been the home to Jews continuously for over 3,000 years.
The Entire Country Acts as One
Israeli flags, a blue six-sided Star of David between two thick blue stripes on a pristine white background, hang down sides of buildings from roof to street, from balconies and windows, attached to automobile passenger windows, and on flag poles all over.
Israeli flags tend to fly most of the year from people's homes, but on Yom HaAtzmaut they are prevalent. They are everywhere. I have gigantic Israeli flags hanging from two picture windows and a string of little flags draped across another window. The excitement is contagious. Intersections and parks have flags and streamers strung from one corner to another. Everywhere you go, it looks like a carnival. In fact, some streets are closed off for street parties.
And just like America's Independence day, HaAtzmaut is a day for fireworks until after midnight and for bar-b-ques. Because religious Jews cannot light fires on Shabbat, the only day off we have during the week, lighting a fire for a bar-b-que is a special treat on Israel's Independence Day. It is one of the few holidays during the year that isn't a religious holiday and therefore, people are not spending their day off all day in synagogue.
The beaches are crowded. The weather is nice. It is a festive occasion.
From sorrow to joy within hours. One thing is certain about Israel. When there is an observance or celebration, no matter what the occasion, the entire country unites.
L'hitraot. Shachar
Shachar is the Hebrew name of a California-based attorney and former Los Angeles County deputy sheriff who moved to Israel 2 ½ years ago.