The traditional torch lighting ceremony kicking off Israel's 76th Independence Day celebrations was broadcast Monday night after being pre-recorded at the Mount Herzl plaza in Jerusalem.
Video: PM Netanyahu's Independence Day message for Israel's 76th anniversary / X/@israelipm
In a video message aired during the ceremony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "In the War of Independence, we stood alone as five Arab nations invaded our land after we declared statehood. The spirit of generations and the life force of a people unwilling to die sustained us, as King David said in Psalms, 'I shall not die, but live.' Today we are immeasurably stronger, yet the desire to destroy us remains. We saw that on October 7. Our brothers and sisters are still being held captive by Hamas, and we will bring every one of them home. The families of the fallen anguish, and our wounded display noble courage in coping with their battle injuries. When I meet many of them and many families of the fallen, they tell us our heroes did not fall in vain, and to continue until the end to defeat Hamas. And so we shall do.
PM Netanyahu:
"The torches that we set ablaze this evening will shine a bright light on the miracle that is our country. They recount, in flames, the story of our incredible nation. We will raise our flags and torches in honor of our nation."
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— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 13, 2024
"Independence means defending our state by our own strength, and together we will do that. Just as our soldiers fight together on every front. At the moment of truth, an entire nation rallied, what a wonderful generation we have. The torches will illuminate our country and inscribe our unity in letters of fire. For the glory of the State of Israel!"
In his speech, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said: "As darkness falls, the Memorial Day of the year that saw Israel's longest day comes to a close. Not only because of the staggering numbers of fallen, murdered, wounded, and captured, but also the horrors documented and helplessness that lasted far too long - precisely when we have a state. The anguish of bereaved families over lives cut short and the longing pierce the heart of the entire nation. We owe you and your loved ones our lives. The State of Israel owes you its independence."
Ohana urged unity, saying: "Our enemies hope the strife will escalate until it becomes an opportune moment for them to unite and strike us with full force on all fronts. If we do not stop this plague, God forbid, it could happen...These are fateful days for our future as a state and people. We learned this past year that for our small, threatened nation – unity is not a luxury. It is a basic need – like air to breathe and living water."
The ceremony featured torchlightings by groups representing various facets of Israeli heroism and resilience. This included hero security chief Inbal Lieberman and IDF commanders from Gaza border communities, chanting "So they need us no more." Israel advocacy personas Nate Buzolic, Ella Kenan, and Yoseph Haddad then lit a torch shouting in three languages: "Am Yisrael Chai!" (The People of Israel Lives!).
Security industry leaders lit a torch after successfully thwarting a massive Iranian missile attack, with the Arrow system and other defenses intercepting a huge number of ballistic and cruise missiles fired from Iran without a single one causing damage.
In a poignant performance at the Re'im parking lot where the Nova Rave October 7 massacre occurred, singer Omer Adam joined families of victims singing "Human Embroidery" as 12 memorial flames were lit across the south.
180 IDF soldier flag-bearers participated in the adapted torch ceremony, performing precision drills imbued with the spirit of remembrance and heroism. An unprecedented 44 torch lighters took part, divided into groups representing various faces of Israeli courage and resilience.
