Tonight begins Yom Haatzmaut, Israel's Independence Day. For now, think about celebrating! If you are in New Hampshire, come tonight from 5:30-8:30 to the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire's celebration for Jews across the state!
Whatever your thoughts about the situation in Israel and the MIddle East, tonight and tomorrow are days to celebrate. Here are a few links:
David Ben Gurion reading Israel's Declaration of Independence (text here) on May 15, 1948:
Download or listen to Ben Gurion original rec 14.5.1948
One of my favorite Israeli songs: "Noladti Lashalom" (I Was Born for Peace) -- turn up the volume!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkObTTDhu2A&playnext=1&list=PL93772CF54D63BE0F
I was born to the melodies
and to the songs of all countries
I was born to the language and the place too
to the few and many who will give peace a hand.
I was born to peace - let it arrive
I was born to peace - let it come
I was born to peace - let it appear
I want, I want to be in it already.
I was born to the dream
and in it I see that peace will come
I was born to the desire and the belief
that it will come after thirty years.
I was born to a people two thousand years old.
that have a land and it has a piece of heaven
and it sees, watches the day unfold
and it's a beautiful moment, moment of peace.
Here is a recording of the Zionist anthem Hatikvah, sung by survivors of the Shoah, recorded at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp not long after the liberation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syUSmEbGLs4
More song: Ofra Haza, representing Israel at the 1983 Eurovision song contest, singing "Chai":
Alive, alive, alive - Yes, I'm still alive!
This is the song that Sabba (grandfather)
Sang yesterday to Abba (father)
And today I [sing]
I'm still alive, alive, alive
The people of Israel live
This is the song which Sabba
Sang yesterday to Abba
And today I [sing]!
(For a little background on the conflict, listen to my two-part podcast. But wait for a couple days first and savor the anniversary.)
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