BICOM

Israelis celebrated the country’s 66th Independence Day yesterday, as millions enjoyed a national holiday and special ceremonies and events took place to mark the occasion.

On Monday evening, the traditional torch-lighting ceremony took place on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl, signalling the sharp transition to Independence Day from Remembrance Day which precedes it. This year, 14 women who have made a significant contribution towards different facets of Israeli society were chosen to light the symbolic torches. At the ceremony, Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein called for societal gaps to be closed, saying, “We can’t allow an Israel of have-nots to live in the shadow of the Israel of the haves.”

Yesterday, more than one million Israelis visited the country’s national parks and many more visited the country’s beaches, enjoying picnics and barbeques. An Israeli Air Force display team performed a flyover across much of the country during the morning. Meanwhile, at the President’s Residence, President Shimon Peres was joined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz in a special televised Independence Day sing along, each one choosing a favourite Israeli classic to sing alongside a well-known performer. Shortly afterwards, the dignitaries honoured 120 outstanding soldiers. Netanyahu commented, “I know that we have trustworthy people whom we can rely on whenever we send you to missions everywhere.”

Meanwhile, in a specially recorded Independence Day message, his last in office, President Peres said “In many respects, Israel is a miracle … Today we can and should be proud of our country.” However, he added “Our mission has yet to be completed, and we must work hard in order to achieve peace with all of our neighbours.”

The celebrations concluded yesterday evening with the award of the country’s top civilian award, the Israel Prize to outstanding scholars across a variety of fields. Education Minister Shai Piron called for “a deep cultural and moral revival” to “impact the character of the state.”