This week was a roller coaster ride of emotions,
going from mourning on Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance Day,
to the joyous celebrations for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.
On Thursday night fireworks displays lit up the sky over Jerusalem,
to celebrate Israel at 64.
In Jerusalem on Yom Ha’azmaut
the hammers were bigger, but softer.
These people were watching the Air Force fly over,
but by their expressions I assume they missed my blog post.
The annual International Bible Contest was held in the morning
and the Israel Prizes were presented in the evening,
but most people spent much of the day at a mangal, a BBQ, grilling meat.
Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, was the site of many family reunions,
but I spent most of the day in Gan Sacher with 400 lone soldiers.
The Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin’s mangal
served 60 kilo of meat to young people from around the world and Israel,
who do not have families here with whom to celebrate.
See more photos of the event on the Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.
Gan Sacher did not seem as crowded as usual,
as there were plenty of open spaces for a “foam fight”
and there was plenty of the foam for sale.
I was impressed that in such a relaxed atmosphere, people made time for
this impromptu mincha, afternoon prayer, one of many that took place.
Smoke filled the sky all day,
while the weather was perfect.
Tons of equipment were schlepped and food consumed… and beer.
Israel at 64 was celebrated in Jerusalem in a big way.
Why do Israelis get so hung up about their Independence Day?
We will keep looking for answers to the question.
