Yom haZikaron and Yom haAtzmaut

יום הזיכרון in Israel is another difficult day in the week that begins with Yom haShoah. Once again the siren freezes the country and everything stops in memory of our fallen soldiers. We remember the names of our heroes that are the foundation of Israel. The people who gave their lives while protecting the idea and the dream of the nation. The stories are constantly thrown at us and it's hard not to cry when we see the pictures of young handsome men and hear their stories told by their parents, siblings, lovers, and children. There are once again ceremonies at schools and public places and cemeteries. We are sad and yet we are proud. We are thankful to have our wonderful country protected by a strong military. We realize that not so long ago we had neither of them and now they're linked together. And as much as we hope that we are the last generation to serve in the army, we know that without it we don't exist.
As the sun goes down on Yom haZikaron, a switch is turned and we go from sad to happy. יום העצמאות is here and it's the biggest party of the year. This is the only country that links these two days together and it may be startling but it is the essence of Israel. It may be the strangest roller coaster ride of emotions but it's extremely effective. We go all out. We pile out to the streets and party all night. We have concerts, dances, fireworks, and singing. Entire cities celebrate like there is no tomorrow. And tomorrow, the nation goes for barbecues.
These days make us realize not just how lucky we are to live in this country but also how lucky we are to live at all.