Most of the country knows it to be a day of drinking, Mexican food, more drinking, and partying. That, of course, is because it's Cinco De Mayo. That's great and all, but it also happens to be more important day for many. Tonight at sundown began Yom Ha'Atzmaut, or Israel Independence Day.
In a small art museum on May 14, 1948, a small group of people crammed in the small building to proclaim the establishment of the State of Israel, eight hours before the British Mandate of Palestine was due to end. After David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence, they recited the Shehecheyanu, signed the Declaration, and the crowd sang Hatikvah, which is now Israel's national anthem. Although the ceremony didn't last long, it was a monumental moment that solidified Israel's legitimacy as an independent nation.
I had the honor of visiting this building and sitting in the same exact room as the group did when the declaration was signed. Our tour guide explained the history and then played the recording of Hatikvah that was sung at the actual ceremony in 1948. It was then that I not only got chills, but that I felt the fruition and completion of my Jewish faith. Our Jewish people have been opposed and persecuted for centuries. Finally Jews have our own place to call home, whether you live there or not.
No matter who opposes Israel and what the country the size of New Jersey goes through, she will always be God's chosen nation and should never be forgotten.
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