[This post was prompted by
comments over at Shiloh Musings
]
There has been a lot of debate in Israel
lately about whether to keep "soldier's memorial day" back-to-back with
Independence Day (preceding it) or not. Here are my thoughts on this:
1)
I do not think that we
should combine, as some have suggested, Memorial Day with holocaust remembrance
day. They are two entirely different things! [This is one reason I am appalled
by how politicians try to cash in on holocaust remembrance day with plans for
Israel today. Holocaust day should be reserved for mourning what we have lost.]
2)
If we remove soldier's remembrance
memorial day to a whole week before Independence day, it will lose a lot of its
significance and impact. The limitation that we cannot start independence
celebrations till nightfall after the memorial day is a stark reminder that
this independence came at a very heavy price.
3)
I dare say that for
families who have lost a family member, they will carry it forward into the
holiday in any case.
4)
What could be done
is to make the last few hours of the memorial day more neutral. Ceremonies should
be in the morning, and up to 2 or 3. Radio and TV should after those hours have
programs which are not holiday, but with less emphasis on mourning. Shops
should remain closed.
1 comment:
Thanks for mentioning my post.
I do agree with most of what you said, but I don't think there should be a break in-between. I think that the close connection, generally bridged in dati Le'umi communities by large public prayer, to be perfect. Yes, perfect. We thank G-d for His miracles and say the soldiers didn't die in vain.
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