Source: JTA, 4-16-13
Heavy rains did not keep Israelis from celebrating Independence Day.
Israel Radio reported Tuesday that roads were packed with celebrants of the 65th anniversary of Israel’s founding, and that some military museums were so packed with visitors that some were turned away….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 16, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/israel-brief-april-16-2013-on-yom-haatzmaut-independence-day-israelis-crowd-roads-despite-rain/
Source: The Jewish Press (press release), 4-16-13
Even as millions of Israelis celebrated the country’s 65th birthday with prayers, lavish barbecues and star-studded entertainment in city squares, many citizens expressed worry about troubling domestic and foreign developments….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 16, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/israel-brief-april-16-2013-israel-celebrates-yom-haatzmaut-as-challenges-mount/
Source: Algemeiner, 4-16-13
Pope Francis: “I send cordial greetings to you and your fellow citizens on the occasion of Israel’s National Day. At the beginning of my Pontificate, l gladly invoke upon you and all the people of Israel the blessings of the Most High and assure you of my prayers for your high responsibilities at the’ service of the nation.”
U.S. President Barack Obama: “As Israelis celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the American people join me in applauding the remarkable Israeli achievements over the past six and a half decades. The United States stood together with the State of Israel at its founding, and we will stand together with you always.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin: “I wish you good health, Mr. President, as well as peace and prosperity to the Israel people.”
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 16, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/israel-brief-april-16-2013-barack-obama-pope-francis-world-leaders-offer-congratulations-on-israels-independence-day/
Source: Jerusalem Post , 4-15-13
“My dear friends, brothers and sisters. Today we celebrate the 65th Independence Day of the State of Israel, these were 65 miraculous years without halt,” Shimon Peres said. “Let’s celebrate together and continue to work, hope and be faithful to our values….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 15, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/15/israel-political-brief-april-16-2013-yom-haatzmaut-israel-celebrates-65-years-of-independence/
Source: Algemeiner, 4-13-13
Officially known as Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day, Yom Hazikaron takes place the day before Yom Ha’atzmaut, and the piercing siren brings the country to a complete standstill at 8 p.m….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 13, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/israel-brief-april-13-2013-yom-haatzmaut-and-yom-hazikaron-remembrance-meets-celebration-in-israel/
Source: Arutz Sheva, 4-12-13
“65 years ago we celebrated our new found freedom, the renewal of Jewish sovereignty in our ancestral homeland,” said Netanyahu. “This was a dream of ages. Jews prayed for this for generations, ‘Next year in Jerusalem’. Now we’re here in Jerusalem….READ MORE
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 12, 2013
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/israel-political-brief-april-11-2013-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-israel-is-the-bright-star-of-freedom/
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 26, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/israel-political-brief-april-26-2012-canadian-prime-minister-stephen-harpers-message-to-israel-on-independence-day-yom-haazmaut/
The reality of Israel after 64 years of independence is “much more than the vision we once dreamed,” President Shimon Peres told the Diaspora in a special message Wednesday..
Yom Ha’atzmaut is not only a day of celebration but also one to reflect and realize the reality we have built is much more than the vision we once dreamed,” he said.
The President told Jews outside the Land of Israel that the “unyielding spirit which defines the Jewish people” drove Israel’s achievements since its reestablishment as a state in 1948.
“We returned to our homeland, rich in history, yet scarce in land, meager in natural resources. We had not choice but to invest in our greatest asset – our people. And we did, together with you….
“We have built an extraordinary country, due to our extraordinary people. Today, we can proudly look upon our thriving economy, innovation serves as Israel’s heartbeat and creativity runs through our veins.
Yom HaAtzmaut begins Wednesday evening with the conclusions of ceremonies in observance of Memorial Day for Fall Soldiers and terror victims.
The President noted that Yom Ha’atzmaut also is “a time to remember those who defended and served our country, many of whom sacrifice their lives for our young state.”
He praised what he said is the ”young generation’s commitment to our state, [which] is essential as our shared tomorrow will be defined by innovation. As partners of our nation, your ability to secure a future defined by scientific development and discoveries is vital to our shared mission.
“Our mutual unwavering commitment to each other is crucial
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 25, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/full-text-israel-political-brief-april-25-2012-yom-haatzmaut-president-shimon-peres-independence-day-message/
Source: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The national anthem: Hatikva Israel Independence Day is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, according to the Hebrew calendar, on 5 Iyar (this celebrated one day early because of the Sabbath). The day preceding this celebration is devoted to the memory of those who gave their lives for the achievement of the country’s independence and its continued existence. This proximity is intended to remind people of the heavy price paid for independence. On this day the entire nation remembers its debt and expresses eternal gratitude to its sons and daughters who gave their lives for the achievement of the country’s independence and its continued existence.
PM Netanyahu: “After Remembrance Day, the State of Israel will celebrate its 64th birthday. The unbreakable bond between Remembrance Day and Independence Day underscores the fact that our dear ones who fell in Israel’s wars did not fall in vain. Thanks to them, the State arose. Thanks to them, the State of Israel will continue to develop and prosper, and thanks to them the members of the younger generation will also be able to live their lives in security and tranquility.”
On May 14, 1948, the day the British Mandate expired, the new Jewish state – the State of Israel – was formally established in parts of what was known as the British Mandate for Palestine. With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Jewish independence was restored after 2,000 years.
Independence Day is a celebration of the renewal of the Jewish state in the Land of Israel, the birthplace of the Jewish people. In this land, the Jewish people began to develop its distinctive religion and culture some 4,000 years ago, and here it has preserved an unbroken physical presence, for centuries as a sovereign state, at other times under foreign domination. Throughout their long history, the yearning to return to the land has been the focus of Jewish life. Theodor Herzl, the leader and founder of the Zionist movement, increased international recognition for the need of a Jewish state.
Since its establishment, Israel continues to be a homeland to the thousands who make their way to Israel annually. It is home to some of the holiest religious sites of the three major religions, all which enjoy the democratic rights delineated in the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel.
Remembrance Day, Yom Hazikaron, which begins on Tuesday evening, April 24, is a day of collective and personal anguish mingled with awe and honor for the fallen. The official events begin at 8:00 PM with a moment of national silence heralded by a one minute siren.
Officer places a flag on a fallen soldier’s grave. (Archive photo: IDF Spokesperson)
A total of 22,993 men and women have been killed defending the land of Israel since 1860, the year that the first Jewish settlers left the secure walls of Jerusalem to build new Jewish neighborhoods.
Since the end of the War of Independence, 2,457 people have been killed in Israel in terror attacks – 14 in the past year.
In the past year, since Remembrance Day 2011, 126 members of the security forces – police, IDF, Border Police, Israel Security Agency and other organizations – have been killed in the service of the state.
On Wednesday, ceremonies commence at 11:00 AM at 44 IDF military cemeteries located throughout the country following a two minute blast of the siren. There will also be a ceremony for overseas Mahal volunteers who fought and died during the War of Independence, which will take place near the Sha’ar Hagai Junction. Israel’s flag, adorned with a black ribbon and memorial flame, is placed on each and every grave of those who fell in Israel’s battles and are buried in military cemeteries throughout Israel. It expresses the country’s respect for the fallen as well as the entire country’s participation in the grief of the families.
“The ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly…”
- In memory of those who have fallen while on duty in the Israeli Foreign Service
David Ben-Gurion
declares the establishment of the State of Israel |
Israel’s 64th Independence Day celebrations will commence on Wednesday evening, April 25, when the state flag is raised to full mast at a national ceremony on Mount Herzl, at which twelve torches are lit. Independence Day is filled with festivities and celebrations including picnics, barbecues, family gatherings and nature trips. Balconies, car windows, store fronts and more are liberally decorated with Israeli flags.
On Israel Independence Day, Thursday, April 26 between 9:30-11:00 am (Israel time) the central Independence Day festivities will take place at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, with the participation of the country’s entire top political-security leadership. For the first time this year, the President of Israel invites the entire Jewish people, in Israel and around the world, to take an active part in the Independence Day celebrations and to watch the ceremony broadcast live on President Peres’ Facebook page. At the conclusion of the event, the entire broadcast will also be uploaded to You Tube.
The event will start with a festive, honorary flyover of combat planes and helicopters, immediately followed by a military review by the President and Chief of Staff of the 120 recipients of the President’s Outstanding Soldiers Award. Following the review, the main performance will take place on the lawn of the President’s Residence during which the President, the Chief of Staff, the Prime Minister and Defense Minister will sing their favorite Independence Day songs together with the IDF band and with the background accompaniment of top singers and military bands. The President and Chief of staff will also give special Independence Day addresses during the Outstanding Soldier Award ceremony.
Israel celebrates 64 – Special greeting for Israel Independence Day from President Peres
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Greeting to Diaspora Communities for Israel’s 64th Independence Day
Population of Israel
On the eve of Israel’s 64th Independence Day, the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics announced that the population of Israel numbers 7,881,000 – of them 5,931,000 Jews (75.3% of the total population) and 1,623,000 Arabs (20.6%). On the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 the total population numbered 806,000. Today, over 70% of the total Jewish population are “Sabras” – born in Israel – compared with 35% native-born in 1948.
Since Independence Day last year 161,000 babies were born, and 19,000 new immigrants arrived in Israel. The total population of Israel grew since the 63rd Independence Day by approximately 137,500 – a growth of 1.8%.
In 1948 there was only one city in Israel with more than 100,000 residents – Tel Aviv-Yafo. Today, 14 cities number more than 100,000 residents, of which six number more than 200,000 residents: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Haifa, Rishon LeZiyyon, Petah Tiqwa and Ashdod.
Relevant documents and websites
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 25, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/israel-brief-april-24-26-2012-yom-haatzmaut-yom-hazikaron-israel-celebrates-64-years-of-independence-remembrance-day-for-the-fallen-of-israels-wars-and-israel-independence-day/
Israel’s Independence Day is a time for us to consider what makes Israel truly unique.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu released a special greeting on Wednesday, in honor of Israel’s 64th Independence Day.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Greeting to Diaspora Communities for Israel’s 64th Independence Day
Source: Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs, 4-25-12
Israel’s Independence Day is a time for us to consider what makes Israel truly unique.
Israel is unique in restoring sovereignty, and the capacity for self-defense, to a people who had been stateless and powerless for 2,000 years.
Israel is unique in ingathering to an ancestral homeland an exiled people who had been scattered around the globe.
Israel is unique in having become a global technological power despite the fact that we face threats faced by no other nation on earth.
Israel is unique in the Middle East for having a vibrant, liberal democracy where women are equal, minorities are free and where all are subject to the rule of law.
But Israel is unique in one other important way: we are unique in having such passionate friends, Jews and non-Jews alike, for whom the well-being, security and future of our country are so important. This passionate support, along with Israel’s strong army, free economy and dynamic society, is the pillar of our national strength.
And this Independence Day, I want to thank the tens of millions of friends of Israel throughout the world for their unwavering support for the one and only Jewish state.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Netanyahu
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 25, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/full-text-israel-political-brief-april-25-2012-yom-haatzmaut-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-independence-day-messages/
Remembrance Day for the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror has ended, and Independence Day has begun, with fireworks displays going off countrywide.
The celebration of Israel’s 64th birthday began with the traditional ceremony at Har Herzl in Jerusalem. The main speaker at the ceremony was Knesset Speaker MK Reuven Rivlin.
Rivlin’s speech began with a mention of the external threats Israel faces but centered on what he said was an internal enemy which threatens Israel’s future – an enemy which he identified as “the extremists” and zealotry on all sides of the political and social spectrum.
“The struggle against those who set mosques on fire is not between leftists and settlers,” he said, “it is a struggle against zealots.”
“The struggle against those who spit in the face of an eight-year-old girlis not a struggle between secular people and haredim, but a struggle against marginal extremists. The struggle against those who team up with our worst enemies, who fight against Israel’s right to exist, is not a struggle between left and right or between Jews and Arabs, but a struggle against zealotry and zealots. The struggle against those who see women’s singing in the IDF as ‘an hour of destruction,’ a decree over whose trespass death is preferable, is not a struggle between secular Zionism and religious Zionism. This is a struggle against zealotry.”
Rivlin said that he does not fear the residents of Itamar or Migron, “who are faithful to the Land of Israel and love it,” nor does he fear those who oppose the settlement enterprise. “I fear the zealots,” he repeated. “I fear the extremism. I fear those who do not hesitate to break the rules in the name of the righteousness of their path; those who do not fear the destruction of the Third Temple.”
A large fireworks display beginning at 11:30 p.m. will end Wednesday evening’s Yom Ha’atzmaut festivities in Jerusalem’s Independence Park.
Music, singing and dancing will be the main activities in the capital after Israel marks the end of memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Terror victims at 7:45 p.m.and begins to celebrate 64 years of an independent State of Israel for the first time in almost 2,000 years.
Music popular in the religious-Zionist community will be featured at the HaMashbir stage, at King George Street in downtown Jerusalem. Bnei Akiva and the Ezra movement will dance, and the Pirchei Yerushalayim Band will appear.
Bands will perform at Kikar HaHatulot, and music oriented for the younger generation will take place at the pedestrian mall at Hillel Street, next to Ben Yehuda Street. Student associations helped program the activities.
Opposite the Old City Walls at Mamilla, students have organized DJ entertainment, with entrance by paid tickets.
Israeli folk dancing and a songfest will be featured at the stage at Safra Square-City Hall from 10:30 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.
The Day of Remembrance for slain IDF soldiers will begin Tuesday evening and be followed by Israel’s 64th Independence Day. This list of events was compiled by Anglo-List.Com. These are not Torah-oriented events.
Tel Aviv
Main Event, Rabin Square, 9:00 p.m. – “Only in Israel” with the participation of military bands. Clips from different periods in Israel’s history will be screened on giant screens and fireworks will paint the sky. With: Momi Levy, Miri Aloni, Shula Chen, and dozens of dancers, Tel Aviv youth and more. The evening will close with a performance by “Quartet” – with Shem Tov Levy, Alon Olearchik, Shlomo Yidov and Efraim Shamir.
Atzmadoodes – Children’s Independence Day events at the Performing Arts Center at 8:30 p.m. – Roni Superstar, Tel Aviv Youth Band, the entertainment show” Katzefet VeToot ,” fire dances, juggling clowns, aerial acrobatics performances and fireworks.
Folk Dancing – Plaza Performing Arts Center, 11:00 p.m – dancing into the night with the best; Sarah Aviv and Gadi Biton combining instrumental and vocal performance and Tel Aviv University Dance troupe.
Park Davidoff, Jaffa, 8:30 p.m. – Michelle Cohen Music School program, Alon de Loco with the LoCo Land show accompanied by musicians and dancers, Woody G, Yaron Ramati, local bands and more.
Haifa
Moriah Blvd: Din Din Aviv, Carolina, Erez Lev Ari, Rami Kleinstein, Rita & Ethnix
Kiryat Sprinzak: Michal Tzafir, Shlomi Shabat, Idan Yaniv
Kiryat Shmuel: Kobi Machat, Meir Banai, Yishai Lapidot and the “Of Simchas” band
Central Carmel: Rami Kleinstein, Shiri Maimon and Shimon Buskila
Neve Shaanan: Michal Tzafir, Rami Kleinstein, Shlomi Shabat, Mooki
Kiryat Haim: Shiri Maimon, Shimon Buskila, Ethnix, Josh, Mooki and Eyal Golan
Kiryat Eliezer: Russian artists and folk music
Jerusalem
Main Stage (Kikar Hahatulot).
The Even Yerushalmit band, Adir Getz, Yaniv Barmeli and Itay Moyal, Subliminal and Momi Levi, Yossi Azulai, Keren Peles. Hosted by Elad Amedi.
Stage at the Hillel Pedestrian Street – Street Party for the Young.
In collaboration with the Students Associations, young in the center:
DJ Ron Izraeli – Hebrew party
DJ Idan Ben Hamo – Funk party
DJ Stato – House anthems 2012
Main performance: Adir Getz
Independence Day opposite the walls at the Alrov Mamilla Avenue:
For students and youngsters – entrance with payment | At 22:00
DJ Itzik Dadia
DJ Shachar Ud
Tickets can be purchased at the Students Association and at Telephone: 073-7073617
Hamashbir Stage for the Religious Zionist Public:
Ezra Movement, Bnei Akiva and more
The Ruach Zfonit band in an exhilarating dancing event
Aaron Razel
The Pirchei Yerushalayim Band
DJ Hanania Ohana
Singing independence at the Safra Square stage:
Arbaa Bemol Band with Aaron Ferrera and Yael Badash
Israeli Rock at the Square: a tribute to the founders if Israeli Rock since the days of the state’s establishment: Arik Einstein, Shalom Hanoch, Matti Caspi, Shlomo Artzi, Gidi Gov, Danny Sanderson and more.
Dancing Independence at the Safra Square stage: from 11:30 p.m – 3:30 a.m.
A mass dancing event, Israeli and other folk dances, with leading dance guides: Avner Naim, Haim Tzemach, Boaz Cohen, Mimi Cogan, Gidi Eiko.
00:30: Fireworks display above the Experimental High School, Independence Park
Rehovot
Main Stage: Liran Danino, David Deor, Dana International, Youth choir and dancers led by Itai Segev
Park Hameginim: Matti Caspi, Gabi Shushan, Shiri and Uzi Fuchs
Hershonson Stage.: Margalit Tzanani, Benny Elbaz , Gabi and Micky Nes, Shlomit Bouhnik, Moran Kriti, Tamir Lidanil, Nati Chen and “The Independence Ride” – a 15 km. bicycle ride on Thursday morning at 9:00 from Sportec city. For information and registration: 08-9392239.
Netanya
Winter Lake Park: Roni Superstar, Berry Sakharof, Hadag Nahash, Beit Habubot, DJ Erez Shitrit
Kikar Ha’atzmaut: Danny Sanderson, Moshik Afia.
The World Zionist Organization’s Department for Activities in Israel & Countering Antisemitism is offering a new service which allows users to send postcards with Israeli flags and other pro-Israel images via the internet. The website allows a user to select and email postcards with images of Israeli flags, nature scenes and Zionist leaders such as Zev Jabotinsky, Theodor Herzl, Menachem Begin, and David Ben Gurion.
Posted by bonniekgoodman on April 25, 2012
http://togetherwithisrael.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/israel-brief-april-25-2012-israel-celebrates-64th-birthday/
Full Coverage of President Barack Obama's Middle East Tour & Israel Visit from March 20-23, 2013 @ Obama Israel Visit
