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Sugia Kivunim Beit-Midrash

From Memory to Independence

The connection of Memorial Day to Independence Day

Synopsis

Continue the connection

Continue the connection

The father Son and Cemetery

Each generation  must remember 

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Seperate the two days!

Seperate the two days!

The date of Memorial Day was a compromise

In 1950, the cabinet, headed by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion,decided that the commemoration ceremonies for those slain in Israel’s War of Independence would take place as a part of the Independence Day celebrations.

However, the contrast between the general jubilation of the public
and the grief of those who had lost their loved ones was too much to bear
for the bereaved families.
It was thus decided to set the official memorial day on the 4th of Iyar,
the day before Independence Day.

Still  the swift transition from solemn mourning to celebration is still  jarring for many of  the families.

 

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<a href="http://kivunim.sugia.net/source/should-they-be-so-close/?id=814"target="blank">Should they be together ? </a>

Should they be together ? 

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sources

Summary

The Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars and for Terror Victims
is marked every year on the fourth of Iyar
one week after the Holocaust Remembrance Day

The day is dedicated to commemorating the country’s soldiers
and members of security forces, the memory of the fallen from the pre-state undergrounds, and to victims of terrorism.

The day starts on the evening of the fourth of Iyar and ends the following evening
with the opening of the Independence Day celebrations.

The practice of commemorating the fallen on this day
is  to mark the connection between Independence Day
and the people who died to achieve and maintain this independence

The Discussion

  • Mira Blecherman

    We can't have independence without remembering the fallen soldiers, and the fallen soldiers can't be mourned without knowledge of what… We can't have independence without remembering the fallen soldiers, and the fallen soldiers can't be mourned without knowledge of what they died for. So they should stay together because they don't fully make sense apart. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

  • Ethan Robinson

    I think it is hard to celebrate the independence the same night as we mourn all those who sacrificed themselves… I think it is hard to celebrate the independence the same night as we mourn all those who sacrificed themselves for this country. I think they should be close in time, but not back to back. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

  • Dan Scal

    I think the connection of these days, including Independence day, is a powerful way to learn about the history of… I think the connection of these days, including Independence day, is a powerful way to learn about the history of Israel. That being said, I do not have the same connection to the pain that many in Israel do, so it is difficult for me comment as an outsider. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

  • Yael Sternberg

    One of the most unique things about Israel is the way that almost every citizen of the country full heartedly… One of the most unique things about Israel is the way that almost every citizen of the country full heartedly observes both memorial day and independence  day. There is a power in the stark contrast between the two days, and also between that the siren or blaring and the moment that it stops. Israelis are thus given a specific and clear time to mourn, as opposed to observing the day half heartedly. The joy felt upon the moment that Yom Haatzmaut begins is then increased because it comes in when Israelis most deserve it. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

Main Sources

From Memorial to Independence day

Midrash Tehilim 20:4 -Shocher Tov

Progressive Generation

Progressive Generation won't reject the past -Berl Katznelson, 1975

Six remembrances

Shacharit prayer.

Linked Issues