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April 16th- Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day

April 22nd- Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day

April 23rd- Yom HaAtzmaoot, Israel Independence Day Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victim of terror, and Independence Day are three very emotional days here in Israel. We went to Yad Va’Shem, the Holocaust museum, and took a tour of the memorials and heard the stories of survivors and child survivors. On the way to the museum, our bus stopped long the side of the road for the two minute siren that could be heard all around the country. We stopped near a semi busy intersection and when the siren started, it was like nothing I’ve ever seen. Everyone got out of their cars and stood at attention to the siren. Two Minutes. Two Minutes to reflect and remember those we lost 70 years ago. It was the fastest two minutes I have ever experienced. After the siren, we made our way to the museum for tours and testimonials from those who experienced the horrific events.

On Yom HaZikaron, we took a two day trip to Jerusalem and saw some historical sites that tied back to the war and the capture of Jerusalem. We went to Ammunition Hill, a historical site of one of the fiercest battles of the Six-Day War. It is now a memorial site and main induction center for Israel Defense Force paratroopers. The site consists of tens of bunkers built along the three main trench systems surrounding the hill. The view of Jerusalem from this historical site was beautiful. A large Israeli flags stands proud at the top of the hill and is always waving.

The next day we went to Mt. Herzl, the main military cemetery which contains all the burials for fallen soldiers, late prime ministers, and some other public figures. Each soldier in the cemetery is buried by date of death in their respective brigade. That evening, we went to a MASA Memorial day event in Latrun. It was a big amphitheatre with more than 1500 participants gathered around to watch and remember together. The ceremony introduced six people who were soldiers in the Israeli Army or victims of terror in Israel. Their stories were each unique and filled with loved ones remembering their memory. There was another siren that held the entire country at a halt as we remembered. In Israel there are two sirens. One at the beginning of the Holocaust Remembrance Day and one at the end of the Memorial Day, to differentiate between the two days and why they are significant.

On Israel Independence Day, there is a different emotion: Happiness. After two days of sorrow and grief, the country makes a complete one eighty and begins celebrating the independence of Israel. This year Israel turns 67. Families and friends participate in BBQs, picnics, family trips. It is a day to be with loved ones and celebrate the freedom as a country. Some friends and I went to “The Puddle” in Netanya, to celebrate Independence Day. It was a large field with a stage and thousands of families and friends together to enjoy the experience. There were two DJs and two bands that provided entertainment, food booths, and even fireworks! It sure isn’t Independence Day without fireworks. However, I think Independence Day in Israel is much more fun and meaningful than in the states.

The country mourns and grieves together on the days that lead up to the happiness. They are understand the grief of losing a parent, child, or friend to the war but then come to terms that if it wasn’t for those brave souls, we would not have the country that we love stay strong. These three days on the Jewish calendar are very important to Israel. It is a way to see how a country unites as they mourn and stand strong together. I have never seen anything like the love I saw on Mount Herzl. At the gravesites of fallen or unknown soldiers, I saw strangers laying flowers on top of graves, strangers saying prayers, or even a quick passing touch. These people did not know those who were buried there, but they do know that without them and their sacrifice and bravery, we would not be where we are today. It is a respectful holiday and a way to pay their condolences for those who were lost.

It was an emotional three days in Israel filled with sadness, sorrow, friendship, happiness, and overall love. I am thankful to be in this country on these three most important days of the year. It is something I will never experience in the states, only in a country where unity is not something that is overlooked. I will forever remember these three days and how they are celebrated here in Israel. It is something I will not be able to forget.