On May 14, 1948, in an underground floor in a building in Tel Aviv, away from the locked-down Jerusalem, in the midst of a battle with the Arab community in the land of Palestine, the state of Israel was declared.
Fast-forward 75 years, and the situation could not be more different. Or could it?
Israel, the state of the Jewish people, is celebrating its 75th year of independence. In a short 75 years, Israel became a force to be reckoned with around the world, an unquestionable giver to the world’s technology and strength, a powerhouse in the Middle East.
In a summary of the wars and the conflicts, some may say we are not meant to be standing, certainly not as strong as we are today. The day after our declaration, four Arab countries attacked; not even 20 years later, all attacked again. Add in a few one-or-two-timers (almost every two to four years) against our neighbors, and truly, the odds were never in our favor. Call it God, call it luck, call it the Jewish wisdom, call it survivor instincts, call it “we had something to fight for” — Israel stands today as one of the strongest armies on earth, with technology and strategies others aspire to learn from.
We stand as one of the first countries to ever have a female prime minister and one of two countries in the world where women are obligated to serve in the army alongside men. We have one of the best cities in the world to live in if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community; we have free healthcare, no student loans, a desert and a ski resort, oceans, forests, lakes and mountains, and the best food in the world — I truly can go on forever. Israel is a beautiful, advanced, strong, amazing state, and at such a young age.
And yet, this is not where my article ends. While I will be the first to state the amazing things my country has done, I will also be the first to admit – we are far from perfect.
Those who are following the news and the current affairs in my beautiful country know that we are currently in a time period where our most basic values are called into question. Those inspiring statements about a Jewish, democratic state with equal rights to all, read by David Ben Gurion in that same basement in 1948, are finding themselves shakier than ever.
In a time where Israeli society is more diverse and ripped apart than ever, one may ask, “How can we celebrate this momentous occasion full-heartedly, when we know the base foundations of Israel are called into question?”
Let me tell you how. For me, these past few months have been first and foremost proof — a big neon sign that screams — that we still care for our country, and we will fight for it every day. Whether or not you agree to the new government, we can all admire the citizens of Israel, going to weekly protests and showing their care and responsibility for Israel. After 75 years, filled with struggles,joys, happiness and challenges, this is our home, and we will fight for what we believe and what we care for. And we will celebrate it every day, and especially on this upcoming 75th.
Israel is in a time of struggle, and in my opinion, there is no better time to celebrate the existence of the only Jewish country, a country who has conquered so many other struggles, overcome so many conflicts and issues. Now is when we raise the flag the highest, for the Israel we aspire to be.
Join the community in the upcoming programs to partake in the celebration of Israel and all who gave for the existence of the state:
Yom HaZikaron Commemoration at The White Theatre at The J, on Monday, April 24, at 6 p.m.: This community ceremony will honor the fallen soldiers and the citizens killed in terrorist attacks, with prayers and stories from around our community.
Matkon Im Zikaron B’KC: A new-to-Kansas City tradition, we’ll be bringing Matkon Im Zikaron, “Recipes with Memories,” to our community in the days and weeks before Yom HaZikaron. This program will feature small boxes to give away to the community, each one containing the story of a fallen Israeli soldier, a memorial candle, and a family recipe, often a favorite of the one remembered. We hope that families throughout our community will take this chance to connect with this highly personal program as they reflect on the gravity of the day.
Yom Ha’atzmaut Trivia Night at Crane Brewing, on Wednesday, April 26, at 7 p.m.: Join us for a fun night of trivia, craft beer, and kicking off the celebration of Israel’s 75th.
Yom Ha’atzmaut Community Celebration at Meadow Brook Park, on Sunday, April 30, from 4-6 p.m.: Come have family-friendly fun to celebrate Israel’s independence, with Israeli food, games, activities for children, and Israeli dancing created and facilitated by area congregations and organizations. In the event of rain, this event will take place at the Jewish Community Campus.
Noa Dovrat is the Kansas City community shalicha (emissary from Israel) and can be reached at .
