Independence Day celebrations are usually grandiose: large stages with performances by artists, fireworks, food stalls and music until the wee hours of the night in which millions of Israelis all over the country participate.
This year, following the events of the Seven Days in October, the "War of Iron Swords" and the fact that 134 hostages are still being held in Gaza - the 76th Independence Day celebrations of the State of Israel will look a little different in several authorities.
In the letter, which was initiated by the mayor of Givatayim,
Ran Konik
, who also serves as the chairman of the culture and sports committee of the local government center, he calls for the celebration of the 76th Independence Day of the State of Israel to be modest, to act in solidarity with the bereaved families, to respect the fresh stone and to unite for the return of Konik
was joined by other mayors and their sons, Rafi Sa'ar, the mayor of Kfar Saba, Lizzy Delriche, the mayor of Gani Tikva, the mayor of the Kadima-Zoran council, Karin Green and the mayor of Ra'anana Haim Broida who support the initiative and believe that "the people of Israel are In one of the most difficult and complex times he knew.
This year, the day of remembrance for the martyrs of Israel's systems and the victims of hostilities is expected to be even more complex, when thousands of new families joined the circle of bereavement, alongside 134 abductees, including children, women, men and the elderly who are held captive by Hamas, and we are still in the midst of a difficult war that is not clear when and how It will end."
Lark plane, Air Force plane, Independence Day, Tel Aviv beach, April 26, 2023/Reuven Castro
Besides more modest celebrations, Konik calls for restraint during the entire Memorial Day, to open the cafes and restaurants starting at 12 noon, to avoid playing music in public places, including places of recreation and leisure.
According to him, "This is a time for social solidarity, a time for unity and identification with the pain of the bereaved families. Because, this year, the difficulty for those families to travel to and from the cemeteries, to meet the citizens sitting in the cafes and restaurants may be particularly difficult."
Rafi Sa'ar, Mayor of Kfar Saba
: "Independence Day this year is no longer Independence Day. It is difficult to celebrate and rejoice when thousands of families have lost their loved ones and joined the cycle of bereavement in recent months, alongside 134 abductees who are still being held in Gaza and are in immediate danger. This is a time for social solidarity , to understand the pain of the families, to act in a way that respects and contains their pain as much as possible."
Keren Green, head of the Kadima Zoran local council
: "On October 7th, the State of Israel experienced a tragedy and a terrible upheaval the likes of which we do not remember. Thousands of families joined the circle of bereavement and with their peace and with the abductees we await their return. This year's Independence Day commemoration will be mixed with the sadness of the Day of Remembrance for the fallen of the Israel Defense Forces." to, more than ever.
In view of the circumstances, we at Kadima create futures to share with the public of residents and residents, our doubts regarding the nature of the Independence Day events.
On the one hand, it is emotionally impossible to hold events as usual, as long as the abductees are still in captivity, and on the other hand, we must not give Hamas the victory of not holding the independence events."
Lizzie Delriche, Mayor of Gani Tikva, and Deputy Chairman of the local government
: The swearing-in in October and the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, every Israeli understands that our lives have changed. In Gani Tikva, this year's national events will be held in a different format, the Memorial Day ceremony will be celebrated in a broader way in order to give space and honor those who fell and were murdered in the campaign, including the residents of the city. We have decided that the independence celebrations will be held In a limited way with community events with an emphasis on the younger generation and without great artists. The decision was made with a deep understanding that until all the abductees and abductees in Gaza are returned, this is not the time to celebrate and our hearts are not whole. The Municipality of Gani Tikva will continue for the fourth year to implement the decision not to hold a fireworks show Loud out of a desire to protect the environment and the animals, and to take into account the blows and blows of the battle that have experienced enough explosions this year."
The Mayor of Ra'anana, Haim Broida:
"The war that has not yet ended, the pain of bereavement, the fear for the fate of the abductees and the security complex, stand before our eyes as we examine the nature of their existence in the municipality at this time of Israel's holidays. This is how the question stood regarding the contents of the independence celebrations for the State of Israel. After thinking In depth, we have decided to hold the Independence Day events in Ra'anana as in previous years, in a program that is, of course, compatible with the current situation. In Ra'anana, the best Israeli artists will appear, including: Banya Barbie, Odia, Izzy and Tuna. The performances will be divided between the city park and Ahozah Street, appropriate for all ages and to the target audiences. We will continue to work to maintain our daily routine and our community resilience, with the required sensitivity and with a salute to the security forces."
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