In 70 AD, Jerusalem was conquered and the Jews were scattered all over the world.  They had no homeland, and their language all but disappeared.  In the 1930’s the Nazis exterminated over 6 million Jews.  For the most part, Israel was a barren wasteland.  The stage was set for God to perform a miracle that would fulfill Ezekiel’s prophecy in chapters 36-37.

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones….He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.’ Thus says the Lord God to these bones, ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life. I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive; and you will know that I am the Lord.’” ….Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel; behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel.
~Ezekiel 37:1-12

Indeed, after almost 2,000 years of dispersion, God caused the re-birth of Israel to happen in a single day!  That day, on the Gregorian calendar, was May 14, 1948.  However, on the Jewish calendar, the celebration of 67 years of independence occurred yesterday.  (Actually, Wednesday evening to Thursday evening.  Remember, a Jewish day begins at sundown.)

Israelis definitely know of the miracle it took to bring them back to their land, thus they also know how to celebrate!  Let’s attempt to get a glimpse of the atmosphere in Israel during Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut).  Click here to see the Prime Minister’s 2-minute address to the world.

Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered at state parks for cookouts and fun.  Many others gathered on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea to watch the Israeli Air Force Aerobatic Team display their skills.

Following the re-birth of Israel, Jews were encouraged to “come home” to their land, and they have flocked back in large numbers.  On May 14, 1948, fewer than 800,000 Jews called Israel home.  Today, there are over 6 million Jews back in the land.  Here is a video I found on the Israel Video Network, revealing the things they love about living in Israel:

Yes, amid chaos and turmoil, Israelis enjoy peace and live the dream!