In places around the world where Israel is valued for what it is, and not for the distorted image its enemies seek to create for it, it is customary to emphasize several advantages that give it its national uniqueness. One of the most prominent of these is the ability of Israelis to lead innovation in diverse fields, but mainly in technology and agriculture.
Therefore, it sometimes seems archaic that every year Independence Day celebrations are conducted and look the same, almost without change: the Air Force flyover, the selection of IDF honorees and singing at the President's House, the Bible quiz, and the Israel Awards ceremony. In addition, in between all these events, we find time to gather with family and friends, and celebrate at fireside events.
Of course, there are those, especially in recent years, who speak out against this routine. You can be exposed to these voices through several media outlets, but also during a random conversation on the street. In quite a few cases, these voices take on a distinctly cynical tone, and the main purpose of their accents is to arouse antagonism toward the tradition that has been created over the years. But it is important to grasp the magic inherent in this day, and it is no wonder that once a year we invest resources in such events, since they remind us of who we really are. Especially since they come after Memorial Day for the fallen IDF and victims of hostilities despite the difficult transition, mainly for the bereaved families.
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For example, the Air Force Flight is a reminder of the IDF's aerial capability. The same body that protects the right of all people in Israel to make their voices heard, even if we don't like to hear it. It essentially protects Israeli democracy. It is the Bible quiz that reminds us of where we came from and where we have returned to, and in effect creates the historical justification for our existence here and nowhere else in the world. The Israel Prize is an expression of the values of excellence that we try so hard to cultivate. In fact, it is one of the engines that cultivates one of the main components thanks to which Israel is so valued in significant areas across the globe.
On the eve of Independence Day, the media is filled with programs related to the best of Israeli culture that we enjoy all year long. We are also exposed to the best of Israeli society through lesser-known incidents that are published in various places, and among all these busy events, countless Israelis find time to go to busy places where they can do things around the fire; because it is a Sabbath day, which Israelis look forward to thanks to the opportunity to gather with family and friends and have a fun gathering once in a while.
The 66th Independence Day reached the finish line yesterday. It was a day of ultimate reminder of what we were, what we are, and what we would like to be. It should be remembered that we are not only marking and celebrating political independence, but also that this day reminds us, among other things through the various events, of our economic and technological consolidation; a day that combines the old with the new. The same formula that time and time again has led us to a much better place than where we were.
So after all this stress, you can always smile when everything goes smoothly and look forward to the celebrations, which will return according to tradition next year.
• The writer is the Deputy Director of the Jerusalem Institute for Justice, a lecturer at the Israeli Center for Political Training, and a columnist for Israel Hayom."
