In the Merit of National Mourning

Today is Israel's memorial day, Yom HaZikaron, which leads in to Israel's independence day, Yom HaAtzmaut (commencing at sundown, within the next hour or so). It's a painful day because Israel is a small, close-knit country and her sixty-five years have been fraught with wars and acts of terror.

Watch here for Leo McGarry's voice of authority on how Israel memorializes her losses (hat tip to a friend's sister for reminding me of the clip):

Everyone knows someone, at least one someone, who has perished in battle or at the hands of terrorists. Or so I thought.

Today, a co-worker told me that she felt no connection to the day, that it doesn't touch her. She said it had even been suggested that she ignore the siren during which most people stand in silence in memory and respect for those who gave their lives for the sake of the State (or sometimes - terror victims - because they were Jews in a Jewish state). She stood in silence anyway (she's very respectful), but I was startled at her disconnect. I have to admit that even at my most apathetic, and some days these days, that's quite apathetic, I cannot relate.

I'm told that since the founding of the State of Israel, sixty-five years ago on May 14, 1948/5 Iyyar (this year celebrated on the 6th, but that's a different story), 25,578 soldiers have fallen in battle and 2,493 people were murdered in terror attacks. Many more have been injured, of course. I'm having a hard time with the fact that the correct verb is "have fallen," etc. I'd rather say "fell," but I'm sadly sure that these deaths continue. And yeah, I'm one of those people who knows at least one someone who was killed.

I don't have a television and I haven't been steeping myself in the mourning. But this country is built not only on sweat and tears. It is by virtue of those who gave their lives that the State of Israel exists. It is by virtue of those who dedicate themselves to protecting the State - may God protect them and keep them from harm - that a vibrant nation, with its many foibles, dwells in the Jewish homeland. Even when I'm not paying much attention, I can't lose sight of that.

To those who feel the disconnect, then, I would say: go watch the television count and the elegies and the bio-pics. Make a conscious choice to feel the loss. For without it, we could not be here today, nor on the cusp of celebrating tomorrow.

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