For one week this is what I have lived and seen. This is the land of milk and honey surrounded by ugly bears who wish to consume it all - literally. Hence, note only do they slaughter women and children, the elderly, any and all who fall into their murderous claws, but with their never-ending Hate, they set real fires, last night over 25, deliberately, with malice and bloodlust open and clear, aimed at burning humans and infrastructure once more. Ever always more. Never ending.
This repetition, this echo of the meaning of Shoah - a burnt offering - should send shivers down the spine of any truly righteous soul. What actually happens is that this reverse world then sympathizes with the oppressors all the while the true savage drooling beasts are smirking, as they are given the sympathy they have most definitely not earned. And when? This atrocity took place on the eve of the 77th anniversary of the modern-day version of the Kingdom of Judea and Yisroel.
"Since yesterday morning, raging wildfires have engulfed the Jerusalem hills, devastating thousands of acres and displacing entire communities. The flames have not been brought under control. Strong winds that briefly eased have returned, fanning the fires and making conditions even more volatile and dangerous. Overnight, 163 firefighting teams worked around the clock, but today the battle continues across six major hotspots. Seven yishuvim remain evacuated, with more than 10,000 residents forced to flee. Zaka Tel-Aviv was instrumental in these evacuations—our teams were on the ground from the beginning, assisting with urgent rescues, coordinating safe escapes, and offering immediate support to terrified families. In the Beit Meir and Shoresh area alone, 23 firefighting teams remain active, supported by 10 aircraft. International aid is on its way, but the need here is urgent—and now. The fire has already destroyed around 5,000 acres, including severe damage to Canada Park and vast tracts of the Jerusalem forests. Our volunteers are risking their lives to help others" '. |
Below is a description of some of the evil event. Following it is an essay re the Opening Ceremonies of this celebration, including Agam Berger, playing a violin 130 years old, its owner murdered in the Holocaust, accompanied by Dudu Fisher, a world-renowned singer. Hear and feel the words and music. This is Israel. We are here. We will always be here. All intents to change that will run into a steel wall. We are eternal. We have lived through the worst of humanity and survived. Thrived. Reestablished ourselves. Contributed way over our weight to the world. We have overcome all trials and tribulation and will always do so.
In the face of approaching roaring hungry flames, though cut short, the two plus hours of the Opening Ceremonies of the celebration portrayed clearly the courage and determination of the people of Israel. Hurt badly on Oct 7, we have come back, determined to remain here. No more exile. We will defeat our enemies, bring our people home and make it so this massacre will never be replicated.
"On what would typically be a night of fireworks and dancing, a single violin told Israel’s story of heartbreak and hope. Agam Berger, a young woman recently freed from Hamas captivity, opened Israel’s 77th Independence Day with a moving tribute, her melody intertwining with a solemn prayer for the 59 hostages who remain in Gaza.
Standing on stage alongside cantor Dudu Fisher, Berger’s performance struck a deep chord in the hearts of Israelis across the country. Her bow glided across ancient strings, echoing resilience through music more powerful than words. Moments later, as she lit one of the evening’s ceremonial torches, she reminded the nation: “We need to do everything to get them back home.”
This year’s ceremony, drastically scaled down due to fierce wildfires around Jerusalem, became a symbol in itself a reflection of a country under strain, yet refusing to break. Live celebrations at Mount Herzl were abruptly canceled just hours before their start as firefighters raced to contain fast-moving blazes that threatened homes and closed major roads. Instead, Israelis watched a pre-recorded rehearsal broadcasted on national television, interrupted by frequent updates on the firefighting efforts.
Despite the challenges, the evening carried deep meaning. Under the theme “Bridges of Hope,” orchestrated by Transport Minister Miri Regev, the ceremony sought to highlight unity in the face of ongoing national hardship. “We are all experiencing divisions and pains prevailing in Israeli society,” Regev said, “but at the same time, there is much more that unites us than separates us.”
Another former hostage, Emily Damari, took the stage with a powerful message for her fellow captives. Having lost two fingers during her abduction from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Damari spoke directly to those still waiting for freedom: “We will yet see rosy sunsets together.”
The ceremonial torch lighting featured heroes from all walks of Israeli life. Lt. Col. Fayez Fares, a Druze commander who fought on October 7; Lt. Col. (res.) Hagit Alon Elharar, who lost her son to a Hezbollah drone; and Inbar Ben-Simon, wife of a reservist, joined forces to light one torch as a tribute to military sacrifice. Other notable participants included American commentator Ben Shapiro, NBA players Omri Casspi and Deni Avdija, Eurovision icon Dana International, and Rachel Edry, who famously served snacks to her Hamas captors while awaiting rescue in her Ofakim home.
The ceremony ended with a symbolic flag handoff from the IDF Personnel Directorate to the Military Intelligence Directorate, a quiet gesture underscoring continuity, service, and the enduring spirit of Israel.
Through fire, through sorrow, and through silence, Israel marked its independence not with celebration, but with solemn pride and unshakable unity. Let us continue to honor those who fight, those who serve, and those still waiting to return."
Those yesterdays of terror are over.
Our todays will be refreshed, renewed.
Our tomorrows will be blessed with peace
and harmony, for all.
Amen. Selah.
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