On the evening of April 21st, this year's Israeli Independence Day, Yom Ha'atzmaut, begins. Jewish and other Israelis celebrate the independence of the State of Israel.
By Dina Ehrhardt
Israeli flags are visible throughout the country – cars, houses, public buildings, and bridges are decorated with them. The smell of grilled food fills the air: Israelis call it "Al HaEsh" (On the Fire). Barbecues, spending the day with extended family, dressing in the colors of the Israeli flag, and painting one's face blue and white have become as much a tradition in Israel as the fighter jets that will fly over the country on Wednesday, performing aerial maneuvers. This year, German fighter jets will also participate in the festivities.
The partygoers who fill the clubs, bars, and streets on this eve of Independence Day are also a familiar part of the annual festivities. Open-air concerts, street parties – the whole country is out and about, reveling in joy. Independence Day is one of the few days of the year when the navy wears its white uniform instead of its beige one.
On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister, proclaimed the Jewish state. Since then, the national holiday has been celebrated annually on the fifth day of the eighth month (Iyar) according to the Jewish calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, the date shifts and falls on a different date in April or May each year.
Independence was preceded by a war
Independence Day follows Yom HaZikaron, the memorial day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Originally, this memorial day was intended to coincide with the Independence Day celebrations. However, due to emotional problems and confusion, it was decided in 1950 that the memorial day for the fallen should be moved back one day. Furthermore, the founding of the State of Israel followed the War of Independence, from which the Jews emerged victorious, but in which they also suffered many losses. This is true of the numerous wars, battles, and terrorist attacks that continue to this day.
Israelis remember that without the soldiers who gave their lives for their country, they would have neither an independent state nor security in their daily lives. On the evening of the memorial day, the mood finally turns to joy. Israel celebrates its independence.
Arabs demonstrate
Every year on Israeli Independence Day, there are also demonstrations from the Arab side. Parts of the Arab population in and around Israel have always referred to this day as the "Nakba" (catastrophe). The founding of the Jewish state reminds them of their flight or, in some cases, their expulsion from the country. Even many Arab citizens with Israeli citizenship often do not celebrate this day.
One exception to this are the Druze, a small Arab population group who remain loyal to the State of Israel. They serve in the Israeli army, speak fluent Hebrew, and celebrate Israel's Independence Day. This Independence Day was sealed with David Ben-Gurion's famous statement in May 1948: "We hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. It is the State of Israel."
