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OU Independence Day event in Jerusalem sees about two thousand participants

From Jerusalem Post · (23h ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Approximately 2,000 English speakers, including immigrants from various countries, attended an Orthodox Union (OU) Israel Independence Day event in Jerusalem.
  • Senior OU leadership and Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King were present, with speakers reflecting on sacrifice, national character, and the joy of living in Israel.
  • The event featured reflections on Remembrance Day, the significance of Aliyah, and personal stories, including that of a fallen IDF soldier.

The Orthodox Union (OU) Israel hosted a vibrant Independence Day celebration in Jerusalem, bringing together approximately 2,000 participants from the English-speaking world. This annual event, held at the Ramada Hotel, has become a cornerstone for Olim and diaspora Jews, fostering a sense of community and shared pride in the State of Israel.

In these days, I look at the prosperity and flowering of Israel thanks to those who gave their lives for it. We will celebrate today thanks to them and in their merit, and thanks to the Almighty who gave every Jew in the world the strength, enthusiasm, Torah, and devotion to be entirely loyal to the State of Israel.

— Rabbi Avi BermanDuring his opening address at the OU Israel Independence Day event.

Senior OU leaders, including Executive Director Rabbi Avi Berman and Center Director Rabbi Sam Shore, delivered powerful addresses. Their words resonated with the attendees, emphasizing the sacrifices made for the nation's existence and the ongoing prosperity of Israel. The speeches highlighted the deep connection between the Jewish people globally and their commitment to the State of Israel, drawing strength from historical resilience and divine providence.

I am certain each of us had a meaningful Remembrance Day. We drew a great deal of strength from this significant day to thank our heroes-the IDF soldiers and all security personnel-and those who even gave their lives so that we could live here in this wonderful country.

— Rabbi Avi BermanReflecting on the preceding Remembrance Day at the Independence Day event.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King's presence underscored the event's significance. His poignant remarks, contrasting the solemnity of Remembrance Day with the joyous celebration of Independence Day, captured the unique spirit of Israel – a nation that cherishes its heroes while embracing life with unwavering determination. This duality, he noted, is the very essence of the People and the State of Israel.

It was important for me to come from the military base not far from here and take part in this moving event. Just a few hours ago, the siren sounded; I met the wives of friends buried on Mount Herzl, and now we are going to celebrate and dance.

— Arieh KingExplaining his presence at the event, highlighting the juxtaposition of mourning and celebration.

The event also served as a platform for personal reflection and remembrance. Sima Kellner's moving account of her nephew, IDF Staff Sgt. Maoz Morell, who fell in Gaza, brought a deeply personal dimension to the celebration, reminding everyone of the ongoing costs of security and the profound impact of loss on families. For the Israeli public, these events are not just celebrations but deeply felt affirmations of national identity and resilience.

This contradiction is the character of the People of Israel and the State of Israel. On one hand, the Western Wall and the missing Temple, and on the other, skyscrapers. 'From darkness to light'-that is our definition.

— Arieh KingDescribing the dual nature of Israeli society and its historical context.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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