Reflections from Yom HaZikaron, Yom Ha'atzmaut, and hearing about the Marathon Bombing

For those that do not know this past week Israelis commemorated Yom Hazikaron and celebrated Yom Ha'atzmaut. Yom Hazikaron is Memorial Day. It commemorates the lives of over 20,000 Israeli soldiers and civilians who have died serving in the IDF(Israeli Defense Force) or were victims of terror. My program would commemorate those that lost their lives at a ceremony in Rabin Square the night of Yom Hazikaron. The square would swell with thousands of Israelis coming to remember the lives of the fallen. There was no joking around. Everyone was serious. All across the country, the commemoration of Yom Hazikaron a tzfira, or siren was sounded at 8 at night. It would last a minute and everyone would stand at attention for a moment of silence. The ceremony in Rabin Square would be led by famous Israeli actor Lior Ashkenazi and would be joined by famous Israeli musicians such as Idan Raichel, who played songs of mourning, life, and remembrance. There was also poems recited and video interviews with the families of the fallen about their fallen loved ones. To end the ceremony, the whole crowd sang Hatikva, the Israeli national anthem. Singing along with the rest of the thousands of Israelis was an enriching experience. I felt part of the Tel Aviv community. The next day, I went to a ceremony at the Ironi Zayin High School in Jaffa. The ceremony commemorated the fallen Israelis that had attended the school. The ceremony commemorated each of the person who had died. There were poems and songs recited. To begin the ceremony there was another siren sounded across the country.

On the same day Israelis mourn, they also celebrate. As day turns to night, Yom Hazikaron turns into Yom Ha'atzmaut. Israelis took to the streets to drink, dance and be merry. It was fantastic. The streets were filled with people just looking to party. It was awesome because I got to see a good friend of mine who has made Aliyah and is serving as a lone soldier in the IDF. The night however was soured by the news from my home of Boston. A bomb killed 3 people including an 8 year old boy. When I read the description on the news when I staggered home I was shocked. I cannot believe something like that could have happened in the city which I love so much and know very well. I grew up watching the Boston Marathon. The marathon runs through my town. To see a sporting event like the Boston Marathon be attacked hit my heart. Since living in Tel Aviv, I have experienced rockets and a bus bombing. I am not happy I experienced these things, but when I heard about what happened at the Finish Line I knew it could have happened here. I am very proud to be a Bostonian, New Englander, and resident of Massachusetts. I loved seeing the response from the Nation as stadiums around the country played "Sweet Caroline" in solidarity. What was even better to see was the reaction from my fellow Bostonians and New Englanders. Bostonians are not people you want to scare, because quite frankly if you bite, we will bite back harder. We will rise above the senseless violence that happened and we will hopefully find the person who decided to screw with us. Last night for instance, the Bruins played their first home game since the bombing. Hearing the whole crowd sing the Star Spangled Banner almost brought me to tears. Since I have been in Israel, I have worn my Bruins hat as a fan of the team. Now, I wear it with pride to be from Massachusetts and Boston.

Yom Ha'atzmaut is also celebrated by having a barbecue. Millions of Israelis head to the nature reserves and the beach for barbecues with friends and family. I had a barbecue with some of my friends on the program on the beach in Jaffa. It was very relaxing and everyone had a great time. This whole week was enriching to see Israel come to together to collectively remember, mourn, and finally celebrate 65 years of independence. It was also enriching to see my home community come together to become even more close. It is just tragic that it was caused by a bombing. I am proud to be where I am and who I am. Much more to come from the Holy Land for sure and for all of my friends and family back home in Boston, I am with you and staying strong with you. I love that Dirty Water and I am Boston Strong. Shalom, Salaam, Peace.