Celebrating Israel's Independence Day: A Time to Reflect and
Rejoice!
Dear Readers,
It is with great excitement and pride that we wish you a happy Israel Independence Day!
This momentous occasion marks the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. It is a time to reflect on the historical significance of this event and celebrate the achievements of the Israeli people.
Israel's journey to independence was not easy. It was a dream cherished by generations of
Jews who longed for a homeland where they could live in peace and freedom. The establishment of the State of Israel was a monumental milestone in Jewish history, and it brought hope and renewed possibilities to the Jewish people around the world.
Since its founding, Israel has achieved remarkable progress in various fields, including
technology, agriculture, medicine, and culture. Its contributions to the global community are numerous and continue to impact the world positively. Israel has also faced its share of challenges and has shown unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.
Israel Independence Day is a time for celebration and unity. Across Israel and in Jewish
communities worldwide, people come together to commemorate this special day with joyous festivities. Parades, concerts, dances, and other cultural events showcase the rich heritage and diversity of Israel, and create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
On this occasion, let us also acknowledge the importance of peace, coexistence, and
understanding among all people. Israel's quest for peace and its efforts towards building a brighter future for its citizens and the region deserve recognition and support. It is a time to reflect on the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding among different cultures and faiths.
As we celebrate Israel Independence Day, let us take a moment to honor the sacrifices,
achievements, and aspirations of the Israeli people. It is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a brighter future. Happy Israel Independence Day!
With heartfelt congratulations,
Dina Lewin Feller, Bluenoemi
About Israel Independence Day
Independence Day, Israel national holiday, marks Israel's Declaration of Independence with the end of the British Mandate. Independence Day is on the fifth day of the Jewish month of Iyar (from the end of April till mid-May), the day in which David Ben-Gurion, the state's first prime minister, declared the country's
independence in 1948. It was declared a full holiday in a law enacted in the Knesset in 1949. Over the years various traditions evolved to celebrate the holiday, and it is now marked by family picnics in scenic spots all over the country.
Independence Day celebrations begin on the evening of the fifth of Iyar with the end of Yom Hazikaron, the Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars, with special ceremonies marking the transition from mourning to celebration. The main ceremony is held in Har (Mount) Herzl in Jerusalem. During Independence Day, the World Bible Quiz is held in Jerusalem and the prestigious Israel Prizes are distributed to the year's winners in a special ceremony.
Most businesses are closed on Independence Day, but cafes restaurants and other places of entertainment are open because it is not a religious holiday.
Holiday Customs
Flags - Many Israelis fly flags from their houses, porches or cars, often with colorful decorations.
Entertainment Stages - Because of Independence Day's profoundly secular nature, free entertainment by performers, dancers and comics on stages set up in the center of cities and other communities on the eve of Independence Day. The main streets of towns and cities are usually packed with people.
Barbeque - Independence Day has become Israel's unofficial barbeque holiday with families picnicking in every green spot they can find in the country.
Visits the IDF camps - Many of the army's camps open to the public on Independence Day, offering Israelis a chance to see arms, navy ships, tanks and aircraft.
Israeli Movies - Local channels devote all of their programming to the holiday and often screen old Israeli movies which have become cult items.
Yom Hazikaron
Yom Hazikaron, the Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars and for Terror Victims is marked every year on the fourth of Iyar (towards the end of April or beginning of May,) one week after the Holocaust Remembrance Day and two weeks after Pesach (Passover). The day is dedicated to commemorating the country's soldiers and members of security forces, the memory
of the fallen from the pre-state undergrounds, and to victims of terrorism.
Yom Hazikaron was formally decreed by law in 1963, but the practice of commemorating the fallen on this day started in 1951 to mark the connection between Independence Day and the people who died to achieve and maintain this independence.
The day starts on the evening of the fourth of Iyar and ends the following evening with the opening of the Independence Day celebrations. By law, all places of entertainment are closed on Yom Hazikaron, ceremonies commemorating the fallen are held throughout the country, and flags are flown at half mast. On the eve of Yom Hazikaron a siren is sounded at 8 p.m. and again at 11
a.m. on the following morning. It is customary to stand in silence when the sirens are sounded. Commemoration ceremonies are held in urban centers, public buildings and cemeteries and TV and radio are devoted to the subject.
Yom Hazikaron Customs
There is hardly anybody in Israel who has not lost a family member, friend or acquaintance in Israel's wars, which makes this day significant for every Israeli. Many go to commemoration ceremonies, and family members of the fallen go on this day to military cemeteries.
If you're looking to commemorate Israel Independence Day with meaningful gifts, here are some ideas:
Israeli Flag
Merchandise: Show your support for Israel's independence by gifting items that feature the Israeli flag, such as flags, banners, pins, or clothing with the flag's design. It's a simple yet powerful way to express solidarity with Israel.
Israeli Art or
Craftwork: Israel is known for its rich artistic and cultural heritage. Consider gifting Israeli art or craftwork, such as paintings, sculptures, jewelry, or pottery, which often reflect the country's history, traditions, and vibrant culture.
Israeli Books or
Literature: Israel has a rich literary tradition with renowned authors and poets. Gift a book by an Israeli author or a piece of Israeli literature that tells the story of Israel's journey to independence, its history, or its diverse culture.
Israeli Food or
Beverages: Israel is known for its delicious culinary delights, such as olive oil, spices, dates, honey, and wine. Gift Israeli food or beverages to celebrate Israel's independence and indulge in the flavors of the region.
Judaica Items:
Judaica refers to items that are used in Jewish religious observance or that have cultural significance. Gift Judaica items such as a Menorah, a Mezuzah, a Star of David necklace, or a Kiddush cup, which hold special meaning in Jewish tradition and are associated with Israel's heritage.
Israeli Music or
Films: Israel has a vibrant music and film scene. Gift Israeli music albums, CDs, or DVDs of Israeli movies or documentaries that showcase the country's culture, history, or contemporary life.
Charity Donations:
Consider making a donation to a charity or organization that supports Israel or Israeli causes as a meaningful gift. This could include charities that promote peace, education, healthcare, or social welfare in Israel.
Remember, the most important thing about a gift is the thought and meaning behind it. No matter what you choose, a
gift that honors Israel's independence and its rich heritage will surely be appreciated by those who cherish the country's history and culture.
Israeli silver jewels.
Let us start this day with a cup of good Israeli Turkish coffee.
The rich aroma of Turkish coffee is not easily forgotten. This label of Elite coffee exists for many years and it is the most popular Turkish coffee in Israel. Try at home the rich aroma of Oriental coffee. How to prepare a tasteful cup of Turkish coffee?
1.5 heaped T-spoons of coffee to a cup of water
Bring to boil while watching the pot. (Do not let over boil.)
Let simmer for a few seconds while adding sugar to taste. (Do not add the sugar prior to this!!). Pour carefully.
Enjoy the aroma and taste. Contents per sachet:
100g.(3.53oz) You can also prepare the so called in Israel "Mud" coffee.
Put 1 spoon of turquish coffe in a mug.
Pour on it boiling water and mix.
What does coffee mean in Israel? "Coffee is like a fingerprint because we each take it so differently: in a large or small cup,
glass or mug, with/without milk or just a drop, sweetened or no sugar, strong or weak, it really doesn't matter. At the same time, coffee is the biggest common denominator we have with billions of people around the world waking up to its awesome aroma every day. On a personal level, coffee is the answer that reacts right away and motivates us by providing strength, energy and renewal. It is a powerful desire, a
yearning that cannot be denied. Coffee is the experience happening right now and it continues to wash over each and every one of us that have already experienced everything and want more. Coffee is a way to learn about new cultures, new people and new tastes from around the world. When we drink coffee we want to continue to experience, taste, respond and create more and more
new moments. Coffee moments. You can enjoy them too at home with a cup of Turkish coffeee from Israel!
Israel Symbols
The Flag of Israel
In 1948, after nearly two thousand years of exile, the State of Israel was reestablished as the Jewish homeland. The new flag of the modern state was
unfurled at the United Nation in 1949. The flag has been a symbol of the proud return of the Jewish nation to its homeland.
How the Israeli Flag Was
Chosen?
David Wolffsohn, who attended the First Zionist Congress in 1897, tells the story of the birth of the Israeli flag:
“At the request of our leader Herzl, I came to Basle to make preparations for the Zionist Congress. Among many other problems that occupied me then was one, which contained something of the essence of the Jewish problem. What flag would we hang in the Congress Hall? Then an
idea struck me. We have a flag — and it is blue and white. The Tallit (prayer shawl) with which we wrap ourselves when we pray: that is our symbol. Let us take this Tallit from its bag and unroll it before the eyes of Israel and the eyes of all nations. So I ordered a blue and white flag with the Shield of David painted upon it. That is how the national flag, which flew over Congress Hall, came into being. The blue stripes above and below the Magen David remind us of the Tallit. When we see the
Israeli flag, we remember the faith and the prayers of the many generations of Jews who longed for the return to their homeland.”
Magen David
The Magen David is a traditional symbol of Judaism. The star is made up of two triangles, one right-side up and the other upside down. One of them points upward toward all that is spiritual and holy. The other one points downward — toward all that is earthly and secular.
By leading a life of Torah and mitzvot the Jew strives to bring together the worlds of spiritual and the earthly, the worlds of the holy and the secular. Legend tells us that David the king of Israel adorned his shield with this six-pointed star, thus the star is named the Magen David.
Israel Seal
The Israeli seal reminds us of a
very sad story that happened a long time ago. In the year of 70 CE, a Roman general, named Titus, captured the city of Jerusalem, and his armies savagely destroyed the Holy Temple. They seized the golden Temple Menorah. To shame their unfortunate Jewish prisoners, Roman soldiers forced them to parade in chains through the streets of Rome carrying the captured Temple Menorah. The Romans felt so proud of this triumph that they pictured the event on a monument called the Arch of Titus. Today, the
Arch of Titus still stands in Rome, and the picture of the Menorah can still be seen. To the Romans, the story celebrated might and triumph, but to the Jewish people the story told the worst humiliation: the loss of independence in our homeland.
After almost two thousand years and much agony and bloodshed, the modern State of Israel reestablished the Jewish Homeland. Although the Temple and the Menorah were not actually rebuilt, The Jews felt that in a
symbolic way, the Menorah had been saved from its ancient disgrace and restored to its original glory. The Jewish dream of independence and return has finally come true.
The Olive Branches
The prophet Zechariah, who lived in the sixth century had a vision. He saw a golden seven branched menorah flanked by two olive trees. Our Rabbis interpreted this vision to mean that the Temple and the
State of Israel would someday be restored to their former glory. Also, olive branches are symbols of peace.
Visit Israel
Thank you dear friends! We hope to meet you often at our sites, at Bluenoemi store, at our Etsy store and Amazon webstore oftenand start your jewelry and gifts selection from the comfort of your home ... (or mobile...) . Visit Bluenoemi's Youtubechannel for knowing more about Israeli jewelry, holidays, landscapes. Yom Hatzmaut Sameach! Bluenoemi 's Team
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