A bitter reflection on Independence Day as Israel celebrates its 78th anniversary - opinion

As Israel marks its 78th anniversary, a shadow of bitterness has fallen over the usual Independence Day celebrations for many, myself included. While the establishment of our state remains a profoundly joyous event, the way we commemorate it has become increasingly fraught with division and political maneuvering. This year, like many recent ones, the traditional sense of national pride has been overshadowed by a growing unease about the direction our society is taking.

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In recent years, my feelings about the celebrations of Israel’s Independence Day – except for that of 2022, when the “Government of Change” was in power – have grown increasingly bitter and thought-provoking.

The torch-lighting ceremony, once a symbol of national unity, has unfortunately transformed into a stage for political aggrandizement. Under the current government's influence, the ceremony has shifted from a Knesset-led event to one dominated by the Prime Minister's presence and orchestrated by ministers who seem intent on using it for personal and political gain. This shift is deeply concerning, as it erodes the ceremony's original purpose of fostering a shared sense of identity and achievement.

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This is not because I have stopped believing that the establishment of the State of Israel was one of the most important and joyous events to have ever occurred to the Jewish people, of which I have vague personal memories as a five-year-old child living in Haifa.

Furthermore, the selection of torchbearers has become a point of contention, with accusations of bias and political favoritism. Bereaved families and individuals associated with the opposition have reportedly felt marginalized, while those perceived to align with the government are given prominence. This politicization of remembrance is particularly painful, as it divides us on days that should be dedicated to national solidarity and honoring our fallen heroes.

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For many decades, this event was also accompanied in my mind by endless pride in the achievements and rectitude of our beleaguered, yet steadfast state, whether or not the government in power was to my liking.

From our perspective here in Israel, these celebrations are not merely ceremonial; they are deeply intertwined with our ongoing national narrative and the challenges we face. The growing schisms in our society, amplified by these increasingly political ceremonies, are a cause for significant concern. While international coverage might focus on political developments, we feel the impact of these divisions on the very fabric of our national identity and the spirit of unity that is so crucial for our resilience.

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What was worrying about the ceremony was the fact that from an event run by the speaker of the Knesset, more or less in an atmosphere of national unity, it had turned into one in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took over the leading role and focus of attention.