This month, I will be ending my 42nd mission to Israel just as the nation enters into Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day.
This day was officially enacted in 1963, and while it has traditionally been dedicated to fallen soldiers, its commemoration recently has been extended to include civilian victims of terrorism.
But, all is not sadness, for we are an indelible people with an indelible spirit. Immediately following the sad, reflective observation of Yom HaZikaron, the country of Israel bursts into celebration of its independence in 1948 with Yom Ha’atzmaut. Though I went to Yeshiva for 12 years of my education, I had never truly understood what Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut meant to Israelis until I was in Israel during the holidays a number of years ago.
I was on the road as Yom HaZikaron was about to begin. At sundown, a siren sounded across the country for one minute. Everybody stopped, including the cars on the highway, and observed a moment of silence to honor the fallen. I did the same, pulled off the road and stood in silence. It was a powerful moment I will never forget.
Later, I met up with some close Israeli friends who explained that they would not join me for a drink as Yom HaZikaron is too sad and painful for most Israelis to drink an alcoholic beverage. Yet the following day they invited me to their family barbeque for a wild Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. So festive. So bursting with joy.
Now I get it. And as I approach the second time in 42 trips that I will be in Israel when the sirens sound at sundown, I am so much more attuned to how I will and should feel while I am among my Israeli brothers and sisters.
Kol Yisrael aravim zeh la zeh. Each and every Jew is responsible one for the other. I am so proud knowing where I will be on May 7…and so blessed.
Marty Haberer is President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
