Emerging Independence Day Ritual Inspires Unity

Stand for Israel  |  May 14, 2024

Today is Israel’s Independence Day, Yom HaAtzmaut. This year, in the shadow of October 7, celebrations have been less joyous. Still, these young people have found unity and gratitude in reading the Declaration of Independence together in public, reports The Times of Israel:

The declaration describes the Jewish people’s origin in the Land of Israel, their exile from it, and their subsequent struggles to return. It mentions important people, dates, and historical events that led to the founding of the state. The declaration finishes with a reference to God — “the Rock of Israel.”

Just as Jewish people are encouraged to see themselves reflected in the books of Ecclesiastes (Sukkot), Esther (Purim), Song of Songs (Passover), Ruth (Shavuot), and Jonah (Yom Kippur), Israelis who partake in the tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence aloud are encouraged to see their own stories reflected in the larger narrative of Israel’s independence, Katz said.