Each year, Yom Ha'atzmaut—Israel's Independence Day—begins immediately following Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, in memory of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This transition from somber remembrance to joyous celebration helps serve as a reminder that the State of Israel owes its existence to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This remarkable ability to grieve for the fallen and then rejoice in the miracle of the Jewish State is manifest in State of Israel, where the people continue to look to the future with hope and optimism.

The state ceremony that ushers in Yom Ha'atzmaut takes place at Mount Herzl, Israel's military cemetery, by the grave of Theodor Herzl, a founder of Modern Zionism. The flag, which was at half-mast for Yom HaZikaron, is raised to the top of the pole. The celebration includes soldiers marching with flags creating various formations, hundreds of dancers, and of course, fireworks. The program is televised on Israeli channels.

Many museums and cultural institutions across the country open their doors to the public during (this time), and there is a wide variety of events and activities for families. A most popular tradition for Israelis is to barbecue, the Mangal, and go hiking in nature reserves. Parks are packed with people grilling their meat as a thanksgiving for the State of Israel.

Another popular event on Yom Ha'atzmaut is the annual International Bible Contest, a worldwide competition on the Tanach (Jewish Bible) for high-school students held at the Jerusalem Theater. The competition, broadcast live on Israeli TV and radio, is sponsored by the Israeli government and is attended by the prime minister.

As well, each year, the Israel Air Force displays its military strength with a flyover across the country. Residents from north to south check the schedule ahead of time to know when the planes will pass over their neighborhoods.

‘Our Story is a Story of Hope'
In his special message for Israel's 69th Independence Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the "moment of triumph for our people," the day the state was founded.

"We had been scattered around the world for millennia. And then we returned to our ancient homeland, to build a safe haven, where we could live, and thrive," he said.

While "many doubted that this tiny State of Israel would survive," as the nascent state was "surrounded by hostile enemies, who attacked us again and again. So perhaps, for some, this skepticism was warranted. But survive we did."

Not only did the new state survive. "Much more than that. We thrived," he declared jubilantly.

"Today Israel is strong, democratic, prosperous. And I have no doubt that in the coming 69 years, Israel will continue to thrive, be strong and prosperous," Netanyahu said.

"Our story is a story of hope, not just for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity. We persevered through adversity against all odds. Anyone fighting for a just cause, fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds, could draw inspiration from our story," he stressed.

"Happy Independence Day to all of our friends around the world," he concluded.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

'We're Restoring the Bible': PA Legislators Declare 'Day of the Bible' amid National Push

White House Faith Director Responds to President Trump's Comments About Making It to Heaven

Storybook for Kindergarteners Features Gay Roosters, Men Wearing Leather Harnesses

NBC News Terminates Nearly 150 DEI Editorial Staffers from the Newsroom

Influence of MAHA, Pro-Life Movement Evident in Trump's IVF Move

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Planned Shutdown Layoffs

Trump Speaks with Putin by Phone, Warns Him Again About US Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine

Bolton Lashes Out at Trump after Grand Jury Returns Damning 18-Count Indictment

For King & Country's Luke Smallbone Explains How Revival Can Touch Every Part of Your World

Comet Lemmon Might Be the Best Comet of 2025, and This Is the Month to See It

Faith Leaders Sound Alarm on Election Issue: 'Bellville Will Go Haywire With Pot Shops'

Sen John Fetterman Brings the Kennedy Center to Complete Silence With an Emotional Message

ICE Op: Two-Thirds of Nabbed Illegal Aliens' CDLs Were Issued by Two Sanctuary States

State Department Revokes Visas of Foreign Nationals Who Celebrated Charlie Kirk's Killing

'A Hard NO': Trump Administration Takes Action to Defend America from the UN's First Global Carbon Tax; Read Sec. Rubio's Statement

'The FBI Has Found and Located 5,400 Children!': Kash Patel Summarizes Major Successes from Crime Crackdown 'Operation Summer Heat'

Number of Young People Identifying as 'Non-Binary' Declines Sharply: Report

Christian Photographer Scores Major Victory in LGBTQ Battle

Practical Security Measure or Infringement on Free Speech?: New Pentagon Policy for Reporters Receives Major Backlash

MRC Warns Trump Admin: AI-Media Contracts Infusing Leftist Bias in AI, Report