April 28, 2009
The crowds gathered yet again at Rabin Square, this time to mark Independence Day. Some question the timing of this celebration commencing immediately at the close of the day memorializing those who have died in war or terror. Perhaps this explains why the mood was joyful and lively, but lacked the George M. Cohan “You’re a Grand Old Flag” pizzazz that I was expecting. We spent about 45 minutes listening to the concert, introduced by several amateur dance troupes, followed by pop singers of various sorts. The real action was in the row behind us where a man was vigorously and boisterously fending off anyone who wanted to sit in the six seats that he was saving. He was so aggressive in his defense that it brought his 10 year old daughter, whose apparent responsibility was to guard the other end, to tears. The streets were filled with people of all ages in what felt like a cross between the 4th of July, Halloween and New Year’s Eve. In recent years, the main celebratory activity for kids seems to be spraying each other and shop windows with some type of white foam.
For a thoughtful and warm-hearted story about “Why a Jewish State?” see this article from the Jerusalem Post.
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