Today is Yom Hazikaron, memorial day for those who fell building and defending the State of Israel and those killed by acts of terror. Last night at eight the sirens went off across the country. Everyone stood silent for sixty seconds. Then each city had a ceremony; there was also a national ceremony in Jerusalem. We went to the local ceremony. Nearly everyone wore the traditional white shirt and dark pants of Israeli ceremonies. The beautiful sad songs that mark this day and the reading of the names, the lighting of the flame, the laying of wreaths...it was sad, and I couldn't believe how many have fallen just in Kiryat Bialik. Starting last night and until eight tonight the television will broadcast the names of all the fallen instead of regular programming. The radio will play some of my favorite music -- it's sad, but also lovely melodies and many of these songs are only broadcasted today because they are so sad: in particular, the Medic's Ballade. We had another moment of silence today at eleven. Tonight, though, we celebrate 63 years of statehood. The barbecues will work overtime, the beach will explode with people, and there will be live music and fireworks everywhere through until tomorrow night. It's fascinating -- sixty seconds separate the saddest day of the Israeli year from the happiest. But it's fitting -- we mourn those who fell, but we are grateful that their sacrifice led to the creation of a Jewish homeland.
We haven't heard anything regarding Operation Baby, but I will update as soon as there is news.
And, to finish on a sweet note: http://www.duduoutmezgine.co.il/default.aspx?pid=378
I am telling you, it is worth checking out. And yes, they have a table of samples :o)
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