Press Release: Israel Celebrates 75th Anniversary

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Today Israel will begin celebrating its 75th Anniversary of its rebirth as a nation in 1948. The rebirth of Israel remains unprecedented today, for no other nation in history has lost its sovereign existence for nearly 2000 years, while its people still retained their identity and language all that time, and was then reestablished as a nation in its original homeland.

Their independence was made official on May 14, 1948, when David Ben Gurion signed a Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv and proclaimed, “The name of our state shall be Israel.” Just 11 minutes later, U.S. President Harry S. Truman was the first world leader to recognize Israel as a nation. The next day, five Arab armies attacked the newly reborn Israel – Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Israel miraculously survived the five-pronged attack gaining more land as a result. There would be several more defensive wars in which Israel would inexplicably win in the following decades, recovering even more of its native land, and most notably revealing God’s hand in her history.

Many Jewish communities have announced “Yom Ha’atzmaut” (Independence Day) plans consisting of customary traditions including festive food, music, and dancing to celebrate the miraculous rebirth which will continue for several days. Traditionally, there is a ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem to raise the flag from half-mast to the top of the pole, since Israel holds its national Memorial Day just a day earlier. A speech and military parade typically follow. Independence Day in Israel is observed on or near the 5th of the Hebrew month of Iyar on the Jewish calendar, which usually falls in April.

Israel’s Independence Day has been strategically placed to follow one day after its Memorial Day, which recognizes that the reality of Israel’s nationhood and independence has not been without brave sacrifice of many Jewish men and women. Just yesterday, April 24, the Israeli nation solemnly remembered the 24,213 soldiers who died in Israel’s wars as well as 4,255 civilians murdered in attacks. Israel held many ceremonies in their memory around the country, and a siren sounded to mark a minute of silence for the nation’s lost lives.

The intent of the two emotionally contrasting holidays in such immediate proximity is to turn the nation’s atmosphere from mourning to joy.

Dr. Michael Larrar, a psychiatrist in Tel Aviv, explained the significance of experiencing opposite emotions in such short transition.

“This association between Memorial Day and Independence Day is singular and interesting,” said Larrar. “It reminds us that just before celebrating the independence of a living country, we must never forget the people who gave their lives for it, it is a symbolic message of remembrance. Otherwise, of course, we cannot be in deep and sincere mourning and celebrate the same evening.”

According to Larrar, “The celebration of Independence Day is all the more powerful because it is linked immediately and chronologically to Memorial Day, [and] it gives deep meaning to the celebration. It is also a holiday of thanks for those who have sacrificed themselves, and it shows the importance of national unity. The link between Memorial Day and Independence Day is very special and thus gives a certain depth to the Independence Day.”

Israel’s national anniversary celebration over the years typically includes a woven theme of technological progress and survival through seven decades of its modern history. The story of the Jewish people from Moses to the early Zionist pioneers, and through the Holocaust to the growth of technology, is said to be where the prophecy of Israel’s rebirth is fulfilled and is the answer to many prayers.

Christians in Defense of Israel Chairman Mat Staver said, “We celebrate the 75th anniversary of the nation of Israel. Out of the ashes of the Holocaust a nation was born in one day. The number 75 has biblical significance, for Abraham was 75 years old when God promised to make him into a great nation and showed Abraham the land in which he and his descendants would inherit – the land in which Israel now thrives. The biblical and historical connection of the land of Israel to the Jewish people is undisputed. It is miraculous that this small country has not just survived but thrived and contributes great agricultural and technological advances to the world. Israel not only has survived against all odds, but it thrives. Israel is nothing short of a modern miracle.”

Liberty Counsel produced a 13-part original TV series aired on TBN called Why Israel Matters and can be viewed here. This exclusive series is designed to demonstrate in a powerful way the crucial importance of the Jewish state of Israel to Christians, to America and to the world.

The mission of Christians in Defense of Israel (CIDI) is to inspire goodwill ambassadors for Israel and the Jewish people. We accomplish this mission through education, advocacy, and a life-changing Holy Land tour. CIDI provides education and advocacy in multiple ways, including the Defender newsletter; brochures, books and booklets, radio and television, social media, and ongoing informative emails.

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Christians in Defense of Israel is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.