Israel Independence Day, YOM HA’ATZMAUT, will begin BH tonight. It celebrates the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 (5708), 67 years ago.
Today, one day before the great celebration, we commemorate YOM HAZIKARON, a day devoted to honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the establishment of the State of Israel and its continued existence.
They are Israel’s heroes. “The silver platter” on which the State of Israel was given to us. As Rabbi Melamed says: These soldiers, most of them very young men, sacrificed all for having our land, where we will fulfill our biggest dream, that all of AM ISRAEL will be back in its land, serving HaShem. The state we have, is becuase of them. The children raised in Israel, is for their merit. The Tora studied in Israel, for their merit. We should be inspired by their devotion sacrifice, and dedicate our lifes to sanctify God’s name (leqaddesh shem shamayim).
Today in Israel tens of thousands of people attend the local cemeteries to mourn their children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, spouses and friends. We honor 23.320 soldiers and victims of terror, who fell on the wars of Israel, from the Independence war in 1948 until today.
In the morning, at 11.00 am, a siren sounds across the country. Everyone and everything stops for two minutes: people, cars, businesses, public transportation, etc. honoring the memory of the fallen heroes. Many Israelis would spend the day at home watching on the Israeli National TV the short clips prepared especially for the occasion, in which they show the lives, the bravery and the heroism, particularly of the soldiers and victims of terror who were murdered this year.
Please, light a candle in their memory.
May HaShem treasure the souls of the fallen soldiers in Gan Eden.
May HaShem protect our soldiers and shield them from the hands of our enemies.
May HaShem bring everlasting peace to Medinat Israel. AMEN
