What a week this was as the Jerusalem streets celebrated Israel at 78.
From Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day, to Yom Haatzmaut, Independence Day, all three are packed, emotional, and impossible to attend all the events. It seemed more so this year, coming so soon after a ceasefire announcement.
The Israeli flags were up along with the April flowers as usual.
The building sites, under construction for many years, continue to rise over the Jerusalem streets.
Monday, April 20, 2026, was far from a usual day.
Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence, was decorated with the blue and white flags of Argentina and Israel.
President Isaac Herzog welcomed the President of the Argentine Republic, Dr. Javier Milei.
President Herzog presented the “Presidential Medal of Honor” to President Milei, in recognition of his contributions to the State of Israel.
The medal is a shiny gold. I decided to photograph myself as if it were a mirror.
Monday night was Yom Hazikron, and Beit Hanasi had faces of fallen soldiers on display.
For Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror, there were numerous options for online and live commemorations.
The official state event takes place at the Western Wall Plaza with the President speaking.
This year, the annual lone soldier ceremony at Ammunition Hill was prerecorded due to the security situation.
Jerusalem’s Museum of Tolerance, with the IDF Widows and Orphans, held an emotional English program for the third year.
Among the families highlighted was that of Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yossi Hershkovitz, 44, principal of the ORT Pelech High School in Jerusalem. He was killed in battle in northern Gaza on Nov. 10. His sons sang the song composed in Gaza, along with singer Yonatan Razel.
The ceremony also featured powerful personal reflections, including those from Orit Mark and Keren Emuna Kalmanson. Mark, who was 16 when her father, Miki Mark, was killed in a 2016 terror attack, has since lost five close family members over eight years to terror and war.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Yom HaZikaron
The days are filled with memorials, with the main one held at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl.
However, fallen soldiers are mourned in cemeteries from the north to the south.
As the day ended and the sun set, people began to gather at transition events.
The musical event at Teddy Park has grown over the years, attracting thousands for the live music as Yom Haatzmaut, Independence Day, begins.
On my way to a festive Yom Haatzmaut dinner, I went past the Yemin Moshe Synagogue with its beautiful service.
At the main official event at Har Herzl, the televised program begins with Yizkor, Remember.
Three years ago, Rabbi Leo Dee offered the prayer for his murdered wife and daughters.
The somber mood transitions to song, dance, and celebration, with a military performance.
People party all night long, this year with three huge events in Jerusalem.
I was satisfied with one beautiful late-night dinner hosted by long-time friends I had missed the past few years by going to Har Herzl.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
My favorite Yom Haatzmaut event was moved from the afternoon to the morning at Beit Hanasi.
Love. Love the table with the hats.
One of the most important events gets the least coverage, the reception for Diplomats and Military attaches posted in Israel.
Important to see the Ambassadors from the Abraham Accords countries attending.
The Herzogs have showcased and supported Israeli food and wine (there was lots of it) from the north and south, which have been affected by the security situation. The items I tasted were excellent. With two BBQs, mangals, to go to that afternoon, it was hard to resist the delicacies, but I did skip the wine.
One highlight was when former hostage pianist Alon Ohel and his brother Ronen performed on stage near the end of the ceremony.
The important annual posed photo of heads of diplomatic missions in Israel,
and the military attaches, highlights that Israel is not alone.
Two Mangals – one in Modiin, another in Ramot, and then back to Jerusalem.
A day when the air is filled with the smoke of grilled meat.
In Jerusalem, cars and people surrounded Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, causing a gridlock.
But I got back in time for the event at the Friends of Zion Museum with Solomon Brothers and these dancers.
The celebration was to feature US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, but he was called back to the US and missed all the Yom Haatzmaut celebrations.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana was called to open the event.
The program included awards to Hillel Fuld, seen here with the ambassadors who were present.
Yoseph Haddad, an Israeli Arab who was injured while serving in the IDF in Lebanon, received recognition.
Australian Nate Buzz – Nathaniel Buzolic, who has voiced support for Israel during the Gaza war and visited more than 25 times since 2017, was the third winner and introduced Ben, an injured soldier he befriended.
Of course, much more could be said about these 3 events in 3 days.
Now with the warm weather, we are back to fighting the ants invading the house.
Back to “normal” after weeks of war and days of celebrations.
Yom Haatzmaut – May tours in Jerusalem, Open Doors, next week, and more happening on the Jerusalem streets…
Hope to see you not next year, but this year in Jerusalem!