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My kids and granddaughters live in a small community on the crest of a mountain overlooking the town of Karmiel in the Western Galilee.  It is utterly quiet and on clear days we see the Haifa Bay and the towers on Haifa’s Mount Carmel.  

This extraordinary period of time begins with Yom Hashoah, when the siren sounds in the morning and throughout the country, all stand, even if that means coming to a stop on the highway and getting out of your car.  That morning I stood on our veranda during its blast, and turned to see my 15 month old granddaughter smiling her sunny smile (she loves sounds!) The refrain resounded in mind and heart:  “Never Again!”. 

Two hours ago, we gathered in the small outdoor plaza adjacent to the synagogue as the sun set into a red-streaked sky.  At a few minutes before 8:00, the billowing flag was lowered to half-mast and a vibrant flame was lit.  And at precisely 8:00 the sirens blasted from north to south, east to west across the country as we stood - countrywide - in honor of Yom Hazikaron.  When the sirens were silent we gathered inside for the community’s ceremony.  There was not a person there who has not lost, or been close to someone who has lost a loved one, including youngsters from this community. And here they all are, committed to ensuring the future of this beautiful country and of Am Israel.

And as I write now, we have welcomed in a vibrant and noisy Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration.  Music blaring, fireworks soaring, 12 flames kindled, 350 dancers and every flag of every IDF unit relating our 75 year history in format - first a tractor, then an orange, then Iron Dome, then the symbol of the IDF - all in a ceremony from Har Herzl in Jerusalem both respectful and celebratory.  

This morning my 6 year old granddaughter dressed herself in blue and white.

Am Israel Chai!

Stephanie