Eye On Israel

KARYN MARKWELL

A fortnight in April marks a series of extremely emotional memorial days in Israel, spanning attempted annihilation, war and terrorism - then ultimately triumph.

On Sunday, 11th April, Yom HaShoa (Holocaust Memorial Day), the men and women of Israel mourned for their friends and relatives who were murdered during the Holocaust. The entire country paused for two minutes of silence to acknowledge the six million Jews who were herded into Hitler’s hell and who never returned. Cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues were closed, out of respect for the departed. Even radio and TV stations remained silent all day. There’s hardly a Jewish man or woman anywhere in the world who has not been personally affected by the Holocaust and Yom HaShoa gives the Jewish people the opportunity to share their mutual grief.

Another day of mourning follows this week on Sunday, 18th April: Yom HaZikaron, the memorial day for the soldiers who have died defending Israel from her many enemies. At the age of 18, every young Israeli boy and girl must leave their families and serve for either three years (for men) or two years (for women) in the defence of their beloved homeland. Many do not return. Those who do come home may marry and have children of their own, yet in the back of their minds is always the knowledge that when their son or daughter turns 18, he or she must in turn leave home and may not come back again. This could be a reason why Israeli families are so closeknit and why every ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ must be treasured.

But the Jews are world famous for bouncing back from hardship and despair. The very day after mourning the loss of their loved ones through war and terrorism, the entire nation enthusiastically celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Indendence Day). On Monday 19th April, a public holiday will be observed throughout Israel for the Jews to celebrate their ancient Promised Land which God miraculously restored to them in 1948. Homes will fill with guests, the streets will fill with people and the skies will fill with dazzling fireworks as our Jewish brothers and sisters praise God for honouring His promises.