A few observations & musings about Yom HaAtzmaut.
About 12 years ago, my first Israel Independence Day celebration after making aliya, I remember an informal conversation with a couple friends & coworkers about plans for the upcoming holiday. Anat and I were talking about what would be going on at Kibbutz Gezer. I turned to my friend, Juma – about to ask him how he would be celebrating. I realized for the first time that Yom HaAtzmaut was probably not something that his family celebrated. That was the also the first time I heard the term “Nakba” – Arabic for “Catastrophe.” This is how much of the Arab and Palestinian community refer to what I observed as Israel Independence Day.
My first few Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations were notably marked by hitting & being hit on the head with plastic hammer noise makers. I’m not sure it it’s progress – but today the kids spray everything and everyone with a shaving cream type foam. Luckily my kids were not impressed.
The time period surrounding Israel Independence day is a roller coaster of observances, holidays, memorials & celebrations. Holocaust memorial day, memorial day for soldiers and victims of terror, Independence day, Passover, Lag B’Omer, Shavuot… lots of sugar & days off from school!
