Independence

At 8:00 p.m. on the 29th of April a siren pierced the air across Israel. But this time, it was not a warning of incoming missiles. It marked the beginning of Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror.

Yesterday, 30th April, the Jerusalem torch-lighting ceremony that traditionally marks the start of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day and the end of Yom Hazikaron was canceled due to a massive blaze in the nearby hills and strong winds. Instead, footage of the rehearsals held earlier this week was aired.

Israel is celebrating its 77th Independence Day since its establishment as a Jewish state in May 1948.

“77th Independence Day since its establishment”

These are days of deep, mixed emotions. The country continues to grieve at those who have fallen on and since 7th October 2023, for those who are still at the forefront of fighting, and for the hostages who remain in captivity. At the same time, there is deep joy and thankfulness for the existence of the state of Israel as a safe haven for the Jewish people.

All the while, the nation is being condemned for its very existence in the United Nations and in the international courts in The Hague.

This week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing arguments and evidence from about fifty UN member states who condemn it for terminating its relations with UNRWA, the UN organization for Palestinian refugees. Only a small number of states – especially Hungary and the US – had the courage to call out UNRWA for its ties with Hamas and terrorism, and defend Israel’s right to prioritize its own security.

This week’s proceedings concern a request to the ICJ by the UN General Assembly for an “advisory opinion” on the question whether Israel was justified in terminating its cooperation with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees – UNRWA – last January.

Israel is continually on trial in United Nations law courts. Israel’s leaders are being accused of war crimes, the country is accused of committing genocide and breaching of fundamental humanitarian laws, and the people of Israel are accused of implementing an apartheid regime.

It is important to appreciate that all of these accusations are driven by the political, ideological and religious interests of UN member states, a majority of which are hostile towards Israel and the Jewish people.

Let us thank God for the return of the Jewish people to the land, and continue to pray this week for Israel and for all its people – Jews and non-Jews.

Israel celebrates 77th Independence Day in shadow of wildfires
The ceremony that traditionally marks the start of Yom Ha’atzmaut was canceled due to a massive blaze in the nearby hills and strong winds.
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Jerusalem’s Ammunition Hill hosts moving memorial ceremony
This year’s program was dedicated in memory of lone soldier Michael Levin and Sara Blaustein, both of whom made aliyah from the US.
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Antisemites are still proving why we need Israel
After 77 years and a global surge in hate in which the Jewish state is itself the focus, the logic and justice of the Zionist cause remains a historical imperative.
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US defends Israel at The Hague
The United States spoke in defense of Israel at the International Court of Justice on Wednesday, as the court heard arguments about the Jewish state’s obligations to provide humanitarian aid as the “occupying power” over the Gaza Strip, and Judea and Samaria.
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