Happy Yom Ha’atzmaut!

Each year, in observance of Yom Hasho’ah V’hagvurah (Holocaust and Heroism Day) on 27 Nisan, and leading just days later to the celebration of Israel Independence Day, we note and absorb various reflections on the passage of time, the pain and tears and memories, the enormity of the Sho’ah and the severity of its antecedents, the hate and atrocities against us continually resurfacing and striking even now, the gratitude for our miraculous generational survivals and heroisms, and the pride of Israel reconstituted, of the Jewish people revived and thriving, of our people strong and soaring.

And now we observe and celebrate Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzma’ut (Israeli Memorial Day for her fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, and Israel Independence Day)!

Just as we cry for the many heroic lives lost fighting for the Jewish People and Nation, and we pray for the return of the hostages, we just as surely burst with pride, gratitude, and joy, with greater determination than ever, to fortify our Jewish identity, bolster our Jewish involvement and commitment, and intensify our Jewish expression, leading each of us to help ensure that ‘never again’ always goes hand in hand with Am Yisrael Chai V’kayam!

Chag atzmaut sameiach -- happy Israeli Independence Day!