Seventy-seven is also an age where time seems fluid. Events merge into one another. The good follows the bad, which follows the good. Tragedy strikes and then blessings arise. Worry transforms into wonderment. Sunset resembles sunrise.

So it is with our beloved homeland as she turns 77.

As with every year, we are celebrating Independence Day right after Memorial Day and a week after Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day. But this year, those two days of mourning seemed indistinguishable, bookends of the same canon.

Freed Gaza hostages took part in the March of the Living, gaining a similar status to Holocaust survivors 70 years their senior.

On the train tracks to Auschwitz, stickers showing the fallen of Oct. 7 were placed reverentially.

And a question mark hangs over this Independence Day, because it comes amid what has been called the War of Tekuma, or resurrection.

Since the fighting continues, it follows that our resurrection has yet to be completed. We have not yet defeated Hamas nor recovered all of our brethren from captivity. Whether we shall have to attack Iran's nuclear project - and do so alone - is worryingly unclear. And too many Israelis have fallen back into the sin of domestic political strife which left us vulnerable to the disaster in the first place.

So are we truly independent?

Are we entitled to celebrate?

Yes - though, much like a responsible 77-year-old, we might go easy on the beef and the beer, and we might be grateful that - as with last year - there won't be fireworks.

We may prefer an early night after a bright, quiet day in the company of family and friends.

Because family and friends, continuity and amity, are what make our country special. That is what we celebrate. And yes, that is the secret of our independence.

We heard it in the statements of so many Holocaust survivors: their pride in the families of that they built, and which in turn built this country.

That was their revenge against Hitler's genocide: choosing life.

And we feel it in the pits of our stomachs, in the beat that our heart skips when see posters of the hostages and the fallen. That is the pain of peoplehood, of responsibility for one another, of independence.

It is because we are an independent nation that we expect no one else to rescue or mourn our own. We look to ourselves.

Not for nothing does Jewish tradition suspend a shiva mourning week for a Shabbat or religious festival. Not for nothing have we seen soldiers in uniform taking a few hours off from the war in order to wed.

Joyful moments are miracles. They are not to be wasted or missed. They are what connect us to what really counts: home, tradition, the soul, community.

And so too must it be with Independence Day. It is incumbent upon us to celebrate, while not losing sight of what has passed - especially over the last 1.5 years - and what may soon follow.

Like mountain-climbers on a steep and treacherous path, we should stop and breathe and take in the beautiful view - before pressing ahead to the pinnacle.

Yes, we have had it hard. Even those of us who were spared the horror of losing someone to Hamas still felt it deeply - in the stress of IDF reserve duty, in the burden of volunteering, in the frustration and exhaustion of advocating for the hostages.

But still, with our country at 77, we are blessed.

Countless Jews in history could only imagine what we have achieved and benefit from here in Israel. Suffering persecution and exile, they would have laughed bitterly, and then sobbed with envy, at hearing our complaints about our national problems.

We, in turn, must recognize this, with gratitude and humility.

So mazaltov on another birthday, our beloved homeland! May there be many more, for all eternity. We thank you and smile for you. And we are here for you, always.

Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom. 

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The evening opened with a Yom HaZikaron ceremony for English-speakers. Rabbi Doron Perez, Executive Chairman of World Mizrachi and father of the late Capt. Daniel Perez, who was taken captive in Gaza during the October 7th massacre and whose body remains in captivity, spoke movingly. He shared, "I think for me, the line that I've perhaps used the most in the past year and a half is for me to be a Jew and an Israeli is the most painful privilege of my life."

"I've never felt in my life that the State of Israel and the Jewish people are more needed in Jewish and human destiny than today. I've never felt more pain but never more privilege to be a Jew."

Following the ceremony, a lively musical Maariv prayer began, led by Rabbi Shlomo Katz, rabbi of Kehilat Shirat David in Efrat. Over 1,000 olim from the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa attended, many of whom had made aliyah within the past year and were celebrating their first Independence Day in Israel. At the conclusion of the prayers, a shofar was sounded, and the large crowd continued to sing and dance together in celebration.

Rabbi Avi Berman reflected, at the event's opening, "The people of Israel have come to pray, to celebrate, and to give thanks to our Father in Heaven for all the miracles He has done for us. This prayer gives us strength for another year, no matter the challenges that may arise. It is so uplifting to celebrate with thousands of English speakers who have chosen to make Israel their home."

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Israeli Minister of Transport and Road Safety Miri Regev announced the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl, which was scheduled to take place Wednesday evening, due to a wildfire in the Jerusalem area. Instead, the dress rehearsal that took place earlier this week will be broadcast.

"After assessing the situation with the relevant professionals, unfortunately, the weather forecast predicted for Mount Herzl during the ceremony does not allow for it to be held tonight," Regev announced.

"The engineers responsible for safety clarified that we're dealing with extreme winds with potential for severe damage that could lead to significant safety hazards and risk to human life," she added. "This poses a risk to both the audience and participants. I have unequivocally decided not to take any risks. The torch-lighting ceremony will be broadcast tonight, but not live. Instead, we'll show the preliminary performance that took place on the mountain two days ago."

As a result, the ceremony will be broadcast with minimal audience attendance. Former hostage Eli Sharabi will not appear in the ceremony since he was abroad during the rehearsal and therefore will not light a torch as originally planned.

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Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism will begin on Tuesday evening, April 29, 2025, and continue through Wednesday until the closing ceremony. The day honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country's existence and security.

Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of hostile acts begins Tuesday evening, April 29, 2025, Iyar 1, 5785, at 8:00 p.m. and continues throughout Wednesday, April 30, Iyar 2, until the closing ceremony at 8:00 p.m.

Independence Day will begin Wednesday evening, April 30, 2025 (Iyar 5, 5785), immediately following Memorial Day ceremonies, and continue until Thursday evening, May 1, 2025. The transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day symbolizes the deep connection between remembering the fallen and the establishment of the state, including the traditional torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl.

When are the sirens?

The first siren will sound nationwide at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Iyar 1, 5785. The second siren will sound nationwide at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Iyar 2, 5785.

Weather on Memorial Day 2025

On Tuesday evening, Memorial Day eve, it will still be cool, especially in mountainous regions. During Memorial Day itself, the weather will turn hot and dry with temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit in most areas of the country (except near the coast) and humidity will be very low.

On Wednesday, Memorial Day for IDF fallen soldiers, it will be partly cloudy with medium and high-level clouds. There will be a significant increase in temperatures, making it hotter than usual to scorching. From the afternoon hours, winds will intensify and haze is possible. Light rainfall may occur.

Although the expected heat wave this week will not be as extreme as last week's, when April heat records were broken in southern Israel and many areas experienced temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, preparations should still be made for a hot and scorching Memorial Day, with dryness, haze, and risk of fire spreading in open areas.

Why was the Hebrew date of Memorial Day and Independence Day moved up this year?

According to government decision and the Independence Day Law (1949), when Independence Day (5th of Iyar) falls on Friday or Saturday – the holiday is postponed or moved up to prevent Sabbath desecration due to rehearsals, security drills, state ceremonies, etc.

Since the 5th of Iyar 5785 (the historical date of the Declaration of Independence) falls this year on Saturday (May 3, 2025), it was decided to move Memorial Day and Independence Day forward to days that would not cause Sabbath desecration or harm to the honor of the fallen.

When do businesses close on Memorial Day eve?

By law, businesses are prohibited from opening on the eve of Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of hostile acts, from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. All stores required to close including "public entertainment" venues such as theaters, cafes, cinemas, concerts, discos, dance halls, sports venues, food establishments selling food or drinks, etc., must remain closed.

Is there a school holiday on Memorial Day?

On Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of hostile acts, classes in schools and kindergartens proceed normally during morning hours, typically ending early according to Ministry of Education guidelines. Many institutions end the school day around 12:00-1:00 p.m. to allow students and staff to participate in community and family ceremonies. There are no afternoon classes.

The next day, on Independence Day (May 1, 2025), there are no classes in all educational institutions – it is a full holiday according to the Ministry of Education's holiday schedule. On Friday, May 2, 2025, classes resume as normal in schools and kindergartens.

Memorial Day, Tuesday night, April 29:

4:30 p.m.: Opening ceremony for Memorial Day events for IDF fallen soldiers at "Yad LaBanim" house in Jerusalem, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion

8:00 p.m.: One-minute silence siren

8:01 p.m.: State ceremony at the Western Wall plaza, attended by President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir

9:15 p.m.: "Songs in Their Memory" at the Knesset. Musical performance in memory of fallen soldiers and victims of hostile acts, in cooperation with the Knesset, Ministry of Defense, IDF, Police, and National Insurance Institute

Memorial Day, Wednesday day, April 30:

8:30 a.m.: Reading of names of fallen soldiers at the Hall of Remembrance on Mount Herzl, attended by the Defense Minister

11:00 a.m.: Two-minute silence siren

11:02 a.m.: Israeli Air Force missing man formation flyover above the military cemetery on Mount Herzl

11:02 a.m.: State ceremony for IDF fallen soldiers at the Hall of Remembrance on Mount Herzl. Simultaneously, memorial ceremonies will begin at military cemeteries across the country

1:00 p.m.: State ceremony in memory of terror victims in Israel and abroad at Mount Herzl

7:45 p.m.: State closing ceremony for Memorial Day events and opening of Israel's 77th Independence Day celebrations.

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Israeli Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, who oversees Israel's 77th Independence Day events, has announced three prominent individuals who will light torches at the Mount Herzl ceremony: Israeli NBA player Dani Avdija, former Hamas hostages Emily Damari and Eli Sharabi, Jewish-American journalist Ben Shapiro, and international law expert Natasha Hausdorff,

Regev announced Monday that she selected Avdija from the public advisory committee's recommendations to participate in the prestigious ceremony. Avdija made history in 2020 when he was drafted ninth overall in the NBA – the highest position ever achieved by an Israeli player – and has continued to reach new professional milestones since then. Over the past year, he has accomplished exceptional achievements with the Portland Trail Blazers and established himself as a leading player in the world's premier basketball league.

On Sunday, Regev informed Damari that she would light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony. "Emily is an exceptional Israeli hero who has entered all our hearts and become a symbol of inspiration and victory," Regev stated. "Her steadfast stance during captivity and the tremendous resilience she demonstrated upon her return were a moving expression of the strength of the Israeli spirit and the hope that pulses within it. Choosing Emily represents our enormous appreciation for the bravery of captivity survivors and our commitment to the swift return of all 59 of our brothers and sisters still held in the Gaza Strip."

Damari, 28, was kidnapped from her home in Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023. During her abduction, she was shot at close range, losing two fingers and suffering leg injuries. Following her release, the distinctive appearance of her injured hand has evolved into a powerful national symbol of survival and defiance. Pins depicting her bandaged hand have become widespread throughout Israel as emblems of resilience. She returned to Israel after 471 days in Gaza and has since worked tirelessly for the return of all remaining hostages.

In response to her selection, she posted a moving video on Instagram, saying: "Exactly three months ago, I emerged wrapped in this flag behind me, returned from Hamas captivity, and came out of darkness into light. Today I was informed that I will be lighting a torch at the Independence Day ceremony. For the hostages, for Gali and Ziv and 57 other hostages who are waiting to return home to their families. I have been given the privilege to do this, and I have no words to explain how excited I am. I want to say thank you very much for this privilege, thank you to the security forces, to the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces who risked their lives and continue to risk their lives so that we can raise this flag with honor and light a torch each Independence Day anew. The people of Israel live in glory."

Former hostage Eli Sharabi, a 52-year-old resident of Kibbutz Be'eri, was married to Lianne, who had immigrated to Israel from the UK. The couple had two daughters, Noa, 16, and Yahel, 13. On Oct. 7, all three were murdered in the kibbutz, while Eli was kidnapped to Gaza. His brother, Yossi, was also abducted. It was later determined that Yossi had been killed. Since his release, Sharabi has made the return of all remaining hostages his top priority, sharing his harrowing experience in a recent interview and even being invited to the White House to advocate for those still in captivity.

Earlier, Regev announced the selection of Ben Shapiro, who has amassed 20 million Instagram followers and is widely recognized as one of Israel's most prominent international supporters. Regarded as a politically conservative commentator, Shapiro ranks among the world's most influential Jewish voices through his widely distributed columns, podcasts, and books. His activities include speaking engagements at universities across the United States, where he regularly confronts and debates Hamas supporters.

Throughout his career, Shapiro has encountered opposition in virtually every field he has engaged with. He has faced criticism for controversial statements against LGBT people, Islam, and feminism, for some of which he later apologized. "Transgender people are unfortunately suffering from a significant mental illness that is deeply harmful," Shapiro said during an event at Yeshiva University in 2016. He added that "biology is biology; men cannot magically become women, and women cannot magically become men." In a 2023 statement, he described being transgender as a mental illness and characterized homosexuality as a "sin." On another occasion, he referred to women who undergo abortions as "baby killers."

"Ben Shapiro is one of the greatest supporters of the State of Israel in the world. Throughout his years in the media, and especially since the war began, he has demonstrated his unwavering support for Israel, the righteousness of its path, and its right to defend itself. Ben brings the Israeli voice to his millions of followers around the world and does so with fluency, courage, and determination that knows no bounds," Regev said.

Among the torchbearers is also Natasha Hausdorff, whom Minister Regev announced on Monday would light a torch at the Mount Herzl ceremony. Hausdorff, a member of the British Jewish community and an international law expert, has been at the forefront of legal advocacy for Israel in recent years. She successfully represents Israel against various entities attempting to challenge its righteous path and its right to self-defense.

The Israeli government has approved Regev's recommendation that this year's ceremony be themed "Bridges of Hope." The torches will be lit by individuals who demonstrate through their actions that what unites Israelis is greater than what divides them – people who serve as bridges for developing and strengthening hope across all aspects of Israeli society. Additional torchbearers will be announced in the coming days.

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The May 14 Israeli independence celebration and the May 15 Palestinian Nakba commemoration caused competing rallies around the world.

Tensions flared at Tel Aviv University on Monday as students gathered to mark the Palestinian Nakba Day. Hundreds of demonstrators congregated in front of the university gates, holding signs and chanting slogans to commemorate the forced evacuation of Palestinians during the 1948 war and to demand the right of refugees to return. Police maintained a heavy presence between the opposing groups. Activist Yoseph Hadad and right-wing MK Almog Cohen were in attendance, raising Israeli flags across from watermelon-bearing protesters.

Yoseph Haddad is standing against terrorist-suppoters who enjoy freedom in our country protesting right fucking here in Tel-Aviv University. pic.twitter.com/lwswANzeYy

— Adam Albilya - אדם אלביליה (@AdamAlbilya) May 15, 2024

In Haifa, thousands of flag-waving Palestinians marched and called for Israel to end the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, jubilant celebrations broke out in song and dance at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City as Memorial Day ended and Independence Day began. Thousands danced, sang, and prayed for the Jewish state. Many shared videos on X of IDF soldiers near the Gaza border singing the Israeli national anthem, Hatikva.

#IDF #Soldiers on a break sing near the #Gaza border!#Israel #IDFHeroes #AmYisraelChai #Israel76 #BringThemHomeNow #NeverForgetNeverForgive #YomHaatzmaut #YomHaatsmaout #YomHaAzmaut pic.twitter.com/4BZwJnxrXl

— Ora Levitt  חיילת צה"ל  עם ישראל חי (@IDFsoldiergirl) May 14, 2024

Yum HaZikaron (Memorial Day) has ended, and Israel's Independence Day is starting. The Kotal (Western Wall) with celebrations and prayers for the Jewish state pic.twitter.com/agKhA6Qjyq

— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) May 13, 2024

In London, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign posted on its website a call to "take collective action in your workplace to stand in solidarity with Palestinians resisting the ongoing Nakba." It instructs readers to "Discuss with your colleagues what kind of action is best suited to your workplace and its circumstances." It recommends organizing a lunchtime walk-out in solidarity with Palestinians or a film screening to educate colleagues about the Palestinian struggle. It asks readers to circulate a petition calling on employers to speak up in solidarity with Palestine or for the divestment of pension fund holdings from companies complicit in Israel's attacks.

On the Jewish state's 76th Independence Day, President Joe Biden wrote in a letter to President Isaac Herzog, "The United States is proud of our enduring relationship with Israel. As the first country to recognize Israel as an independent state in 1948, our bonds are underpinned by shared democratic values, common interests, and cultural affinities. In the Wall Street Journal, the Helmsley Charitable Trust took out a full-page ad displaying the 1948 Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel, hoping to contrast the growing anti-Israel sentiment in the US and remind readers of the Jewish people's ancient tie to the land.

The State of Israel was established 76 years ago. Throughout those years, Israel and the U.S. have been—and will remain—partners in democracy, their people bound by common values and interests.

The Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel: https://t.co/gBEiZT0aev pic.twitter.com/Kc86UJQhFK

— Helmsley Charitable Trust (@HelmsleyTrust) May 14, 2024

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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."

7⃣6⃣ pic.twitter.com/H1L7pJvZnQ

— 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.

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Israel transitioned somberly from its annual Memorial Day commemorating fallen soldiers and civilian victims of violence to celebrate its 76th year of independence on Monday, with the traditional Torch-Lighting Ceremony. The ceremony, normally the peak of celebrations on Mount Herzl, with hundreds of dignitaries in attendance, including Israel's most senior officials, was prerecorded, dedicated mainly to those affected by the Hamas atrocities and the war in Gaza.

The shift from grief to festivity was particularly poignant this year after a spate of Palestinian terrorist attacks in October left more than 1200 Israelis dead, mostly civilians. The attacks of Oct. 7 in several Israeli cities and kibbutzim were carried out by terrorists from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip in the worst outbreak of violence in decades and were the worst atrocities carried out against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

Video: Survivors of Oct. 7 light a torch/Committee for Events and Ceremonies

 With tensions still high after the October attacks, celebrations were scaled back this year out of respect for the victims' families. The army held a modest ceremony honoring fallen soldiers, a Memorial Day tradition that is one of the most solemn dates on the Israeli calendar. Families of the more than 120 Israelis who are still captive in the Gaza Strip, after being abducted from their homes on Oct. 7, boycotted the celebrations and held an alternative Torch-Lighting Ceremony dubbed "Torch-Extinguishing Ceremony"

Meanwhile in the "Captives' Square", the unofficial name of the plaza in Tel Aviv across from the Defense Minister and IDF headquarters, families of the captives held a rally to protest the government's alleged inaction for not finalizing a deal with Hamas. This is the site where they have held weekly protests since the war began.

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."

7⃣6⃣ pic.twitter.com/H1L7pJvZnQ

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 13, 2024

Independence Day festivities normally include Air Force flyovers, beach parties, and barbecues. But the revelry was more muted this year, with flags fluttering at half-staff outside homes and businesses.

Video: The captives remembered at the Torch-Lighting Ceremony/Government's Ceremonies and Events Committee

Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948, in the waning days of British mandate rule over Palestine. Years of underground rebellion against British control and deadly terrorism against the the Jews before Israel's independence culminated in a lengthy war with Arab states that rejected the UN partition plan.

Video: Father of a field observed murdered on Oct. 7 speaks on his daughter during a protest celebration

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Israel's Independence Day tradition – the International Bible Contest featuring contestants from all over world – will be held Tuesday at the Jerusalem Theater, with 16 youth competing: 12 from the Diaspora and 4 from Israel.

All will vie for the title of World Bible Champion. The final list of contestants was determined through a qualifying exam held during a Bible camp preceding the event. At the camp, all contestants tour the country, meet figures like Chief Rabbi David Lau, and visit Yad Vashem, the Western Wall, and other heritage and national sites.

This year, in light of Operation Iron Swords, the event will focus on the theme of war. It will also feature a performance by children from communities around the Gaza border, singing with artist Yagel Oshri.

The judges will include Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana as well Iris Haim (mother of Yotam Haim killed by Israeli fire), Rabbi Yemima Mizrahi, Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog, and World Zionist Organization Chair Yaakov Hagoel.

Gur Rosenblat, deputy director of the Education Ministry overseeing the event, described the preparations in an interview with Israel Hayom: "The quiz will focus on courage and revival this year; this will be reflected in the questions themselves and how they're asked. We've prepared videos, and some questions will be asked by Rachel Edri, known colloquially as "Rachel from Ofakim" after she fought off terrorists on Oct. 7 by baking cookies, public diplomacy activist Yoseph Haddad, a senior reserve officer who teaches at a pre-military academy, and a representative of the Druze community. Yigal Oshri will sing his song 'Leaving Depression' with children from around Gaza."

Rosenblat said all contestants arrived last week from around the world: "Their families showed extraordinary resilience, sending their children and expressing full confidence in Israel's ability to protect them."

On holding the global quiz during wartime, Rosenblat stressed: "The contest will be impactful, empowering and unifying – what the country needs now. It will be a different kind of Bible contest that preserves the connection to the Bible while reflecting what's happening in Israel. We've worked six months on this. Nothing connects the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora like this contest."

Education Minister Yoav Kisch stated: "Especially in these complex times for Israel, we chose to hold the quiz focused on Jewish courage and to host students from the Diaspora for the 76th Independence Day. The Bible is the book of books, expressing the history and roots of the Jewish people and proving our attachment and settlement in the Land of Israel."

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1.

The poet Abba Kovner remarking on the difference between Jewish existence at the time of the Holocaust and at the time when the State of Israel was fighting for its independence observed disintegration versus crystallization.  The blows systematically rained down on Jewish communities in the Holocaust caused what he labeled "atomization of the collective." Everyone was equal before the Nazi monster with no discrimination between class or ideology, but the Jews were fragmented in the face of this threat. Ultimately, the individual sank into his fears and sought his shadow of safety. Concern for the collective dissipated with the smoke from the crematoriums.

When he made Aliyah and joined the Yishuv that was fighting for its independence, Kovner found a world in stark contrast to that he left behind. Here too, "togetherness" was not to be taken for granted. "But here in the Land of Israel," he wrote, "I felt that an opposite process was taking place… here the collective was taking shape in suffering, in tears and protest, all amid the blows of war." One could say that under the shock of an ever-intensifying war "a community was being formed and the understanding of the needs of the collective became deeper and egoism was pushed aside for the meantime."

2.

An interesting observation by Kovner explained the source of inspiration for the partisans and uprisings against the Nazis: "The Zionist youth was shaped out of the fact that we were a portion of the Land of Israel amid the experience of exile." Its inspiration was not the Yishuv in the Land of Israel back then, but "the Land of Israel that was yearned for, revered in poems, in ideas and ideologies, the Land of Israel that was to be."

This is a testimony to the place that the Land of Israel took among Jews in the Diaspora throughout history; it was not only a geographical location where we once lived but a living dream that brought us together and sparked our collective imagination to transcend the troubles of time and place. I saw this when I was an ambassador among the Jews of Europe. Israel is their insurance policy, and they know they are living on borrowed time. They struggle to hold on to a world that no longer exists and despite rampant antisemitism and the approaching pogroms, they refrain from making Aliyah; after all, they know our gates are always open for them.

3.

The first time I celebrated Sukkot in Rome I told the Jews there that the holiday is alien to the Diaspora. It is only in autumn in  Israel that one can leave one's stone house to reside in the Sukkah. Where can one find safety in a Sukkah outside of our land; doing so would be a mortal peril! It is only in the State of Israel, defended by our soldiers that we can live in a fragile Sukkah for a whole week. Do you understand, I asked them, that when you enter a Sukkah in Rome, you enter the Land of Israel? Without intending to, I echoed Kovner's words about a "portion of the Land of Israel amid the experience of the exile."

4.

Ever since the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the dispersion of our people into exile, we have disintegrated into communities dispersed around the world. The national element of our identity went into a long hibernation, while the "religious" component is what kept us going. I place the word "religious" in quotation marks because within the national element too lay dormant the religious element. In other religions, for the most part, the individual stands alone against God. With us however, in almost every blessing, prayer, and ceremony, we employ the plural: "Who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us…", "Sound the great shofar for our freedom…", "Hear our voice… have mercy and compassion on us." We must remember that we left Egypt as a people even before we received the Torah. Only a people could have received the Torah, while as individuals we could not have it.

But in exile, the national element was somewhat "theoretical." It reminded us of where we had been exiled from and where we wanted to return to. It showed us that we could not reconcile with being a people living outside of our land and that we must not forget the dream of returning to Zion. In the meantime, we were divided and fragmented, we spoke different tongues and adopted foreign national identities.  So much so that toward the end of the 18^th century, the Vilna Gaon wrote in his commentary on the Sifra DeTzniuta: "From the time of the destruction of the Temple, our crowning glory as gone and we were left just us … the body… without the soul… until the flesh rotted and the bones were scattered… and all that was left was a ladle that had rotted and become dust…"

It was only when we started to engage with returning home and realizing the dream of a Hebrew state, that the national idea began to be implemented and that we established ourselves anew as a people in our land. The dispersed dry bones that Ezekiel saw in his vision (chapter 2024) in the sixth century BCE, have now joined, one bone to the next, to become a body, and a great spirit has emerged from the depths of history to breathe life into the national body and recreate us as a people.

5.

The great historical innovation in the establishment of the Jewish state – especially after the Holocaust – was the formation of a military force that could keep the vow of "Never Again!" This defensive force is a means, not a goal. Zechariah, the prophet of the Second Temple taught us: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6) . When the prophet describes God as "the Lord of hosts" he makes sure to qualify, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit."  Nevertheless, hosts (armies) employ might and power so what spirit does the prophet refer to? Seven months of war have exposed us to acts of incredible, breathtaking heroism that shine a new light on the essence of the spirit the prophet spoke of – our soldiers' spirit of self-sacrifice for the sake of the land and the people. The historical innovation in the establishment of a defensive force for our independent state is that now devotion does not just relate to keeping the individual mitzvot – as it did in exile – but also to the national idea, in the other sense of the Hebrew word mesirut nefesh, self-sacrifice for the existence of the people as a collective and to maintain our hold on the land.

A people willing for self-sacrifice and devotion to these values over time builds a phenomenological iron wall of faith against our enemies. We are not guests in that land.; we are the rightful sons of this land which lay in waste waiting for us for generations, and only with our return over the past generations began to bloom once again. The spirit that the prophet spoke of breathed life into us in the War of Independence in 1948 and has done so once more in the current war with the unimaginable acts of heroism of our soldiers and the profound words of prophecy spoken by bereaved mothers on their sons' graves as they address the people and lift its spirits to give it strength to continue the war and expunge all evil from the world "until the people had avenged themselves on their enemies "(Joshua 10:13)

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