Israel marks 75th Independence Day with flyover, barbecues
Israelis began celebrating Independence Day on Wednesday with trips to parks and the start of the annual Air Force flyover.
In Jerusalem, an Israeli shows off his Independence Day barbecue on April 26, 2023. Photo by Yoav Dudkevich
Festivities kicked off on Tuesday night with a torch-lighting ceremony and fireworks as the country transitioned from a solemn Memorial Day.
Families thronged to national parks with barbecues and army bases were opened to the public.
At the President’s residence in Jerusalem, 120 military servicemen were given badges of honor for outstanding service. President Isaac Herzog used the occasion to call for national unity.
“The wonderful Israeli mosaic, which includes Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Circassians, religious and secular, traditional and Orthodox, veterans and immigrants – from all worldviews and lifestyles – this mosaic is our unique strength, and is our miracle,” Herzog said.
Getting in the mood
Participating in the national flyover for the first time are aircraft from the US, Britain, Germany and Italy. In addition to Israeli Air Force’s fighter jets and helicopters, the aerial parade will include police and firefighting aircraft. One Apache helicopter was forced to land early near Herzliya over a malfunction.
The annual Bible Quiz for Jewish high school students from around is underway in Jerusalem. The winner and first runner-up will receive a four-year scholarship to any Israeli university.
Later in the day, Herzog presented the annual Israel Prize to five Israelis for lifetime achievements in different areas.
This year’s recipients are Professor Michal Schwartz for her pioneering research into the connection between the brain and the immune system, Druze writer Amal Nasser-el Din, Rachel Haber, who chairs the Matnat Chaim kidney donation organization, and Mobileye founder and CEO Amnon Shashua.
Singer Shlomo Artzi was also offered an Israel Prize, but said social divisions made him uncomfortable receiving it. The prize will instead be given to singer Yossi Levi, who is better known by Israelis as “Daklon.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent the following message: “I’m delighted to send my warm congratulations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence.
In 1948, under the guidance of the then president of the UN General Assembly, Herbert ‘Doc’ Evatt, Australia was a steadfast supporter of the establishment of Israel as a modern democratic nation.
As Evatt stated:
‘Australia’s decision to give recognition to the Government of Israel was as inevitable as it is just.’
This truth endures today, as we celebrate Israel’s decades of growth and achievement.
The flame of our friendship remains undimmed by time or distance. At Yom Ha’atzmaut, Australia affirms its unwavering support for Israel and the Israeli people.
May your celebrations at this time be a source of pride and joy.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong tweeted on the day before: “As Israel prepares to celebrate 75 years since its foundation, Australia reaffirms our close and enduring friendship with the Israeli people.
Australia was one of the first countries to vote in favour of the UN resolution that led to Israel’s creation.
Yom Ha’atzmaut sameach!”
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton wrote: “It is my great pleasure to congratulate the people of Israel and the Australian Jewish community on the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence.
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton
In November 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. On 14 May 1948, the British Mandate ended.
The Zionist leader, David Ben-Gurion, read out a proclamation to establish the independent State of Israel. He would go on to lead Israel in the Arab-Israeli War and become the new nation’s first prime minister.
Since that time, Israel Independence Day is celebrated by Jews across the world for the hope that comes from having a homeland.
The Zionist Federation of Australia was established in 1927. Its early members helped to champion the establishment of the sovereign state of Israel.
I thank the Federation and its affiliate bodies across the nation for the work you do to support Australia’s Jewish community and foster wider social cohesion through education, faith and outreach programs.
Australia and Israel share a long-standing friendship as democratic nations with strong people-to-people links. Today, as we regrettably witness a resurgence of antisemitism in the world, we are reminded of our enduring duty to protect freedom of speech and freedom of religious association- values which are so fundamental to democracy.
On this 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence, I reaffirm the Liberal Party’s support for the state of Israel. May its people continue to live free and prosperous lives.
On behalf of the Coalition, I send my warmest wishes to Australia’s 100,000-strong Jewish community and the people of Israel as you celebrate Israel’s Independence Day – Yom
Ha’atzmaut.
In Sydney, Randwick Council flew the Israeli flag in from of the council chambers as a gesture to recognise Israel’s big day.
With TPS
