Sexy at 60!

Last week was a typical week by Israeli standards, filled with amazing euphoric highs and depressing, gut wrenching lows. On Wed, we honored the memory of over 22,000 soldiers (and civilians killed in terrorist attacks) killed defending Israel. During Yom HaZikaron, I attended a high school ceremony where students gave speeches and laid wreathes to commemorate the fallen soldiers from the various wars. At 10 AM, every single Israeli, not matter what they're doing, stops at the sound of a loud, eerie siren throughout the country (similar to the same siren heard on Yom HaShoah) signifying 3 minutes of silence. It's just as important as the United States Memorial Day or Veterans Day, but the holiday's sense has more meaning here. Don’t get me wrong, the sacrifices that my grandfather's generation made for the United States in WWII and the Korean War are immense. The entire world is forever in America’s debt for liberating and securing the safety of the World.

In Jerusalem, I can easily walk down the street and bump into Israeli veterans of every single battle from the war for independence in 1948 to the last conflict in Lebanon in the summer of 2006. Having always been a deep lover of history who appreciated numbers, dates, wars, and politics, Israel is a walking, breathing history book. I don’t need to read about Israel’s past, I can see and meet it up close in personal everyday. We’re not talking about George Washington crossing the Delaware River over 230 years ago. We’re talking about events that occurred no more than 60 years ago which continue to shape our lives as Jews, Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians.

On Thursday, we celebrated Israeli’s 60th anniversary known as Yom HaAtzmaut.
We danced, sang, ate at BBQ’s, watched a fire works show, and saw an amazing interactive slide show of Israel’s historical moments. I really felt proud and enjoyed the evening’s festive touch.

I also would like to take a moment and wish all the mothers, especially mine, out there Happy Mother’s Day! We owe so much to you. Thank you for your love and support!