1948 - The Birth of A Nation: Happy Birthday Israel!

Yom Ha'Atzmaut - Israel's Independence Day - comes immediately after a 24-hour period for Memorial Day. Israel's know how to mourn the loss of those they have lost in terror attacks and wars, and they also know how to celebrate with exuberance. This day is an Israeli favorite, the highly anticipated celebration. The evening begins with a transitional service from the Memorial Day and then a ceremony that initiates a nation-wide birthday party. Every artery leading into the main cities are packed with crowds of celebrants.

Israeli's are known for their joyous dancing. Perhaps you've participated in a Jewish wedding dance called "the hora." Imagine hundreds of circles of dancers doing the hora until dawn in the middle of the streets! There are band stands all over the cities of various types of music, including Israeli folk singing and dancing.

My husband Ron documented this celebration and made a film highlighting the specific areas where the war raged in and around Jerusalem. Follow him as he takes you to several historical sites in Jerusalem where the battles raged in 1948. After the Holocaust, the persecuted and displaced Jews finally had a homeland.

You will see modern Israeli families celebrating the 59th birthday of their young nation. Happy birthday Israel!