Yesterday, Israelis mourned the loss of soldiers lost in battle and citizens killed in terrorist attacks. Today, there is great joy and IAF flyovers as Israelis celebrate their Independence Day at the beaches and national forests!

Take note of this tribute from ONE FOR ISRAEL:

Before we celebrate the survival of Israel for another year, we will mourn the deaths of all those who have been killed, murdered, and maimed in the battle for Israel’s existence. Initially, the two events were marked on the same day, but they were separated to allow everyone to grieve and freely celebrate properly. Flags are placed on the graves of Israeli fallen soldiers in preparation for Memorial Day, and state flags are lowered to half-mast. On Monday evening, the land is filled with a minute-long siren, during which we stand in silence to remember all those who have fallen in service and killed by terrorists. There’s a state ceremony at the Western Wall plaza in the evening and another siren at 11:00 am, two minutes before the main ceremony at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl. Another memorial service is then held at 13:00 for more than 5,000 victims of terror. During Yom HaZikaron, many people light candles and say prayers while bereaved families visit the graves of their loved ones. Special ceremonies are held all across the country, and songs associated with Yom HaZikaron are played as we all remember the high price Israel has paid… and continues to pay. When the day draws to a close and Israel’s Independence Day begins, the inevitable fireworks and barbecues are ignited. The nation does a 360-degree turn from mourning to dancing, and it’s become traditional to barbecue on Independence Day. I wonder if God finds it a soothing aroma. Certainly, He must be pleased that Israel is back in place. The scene is set. His people have been resettled. There is still much to do, but the hand of the Lord has been at work.