Year Course Spotlight: From Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha'atzmaut, the impact of celebrating in Israel

Written and shared by Hannah Feld: current Year Course participant and CYJ Alum:

Being in Israel during such a pivotal time in the nation’s history has been a truly life changing experience. From witnessing firsthand the impact of the Iran war to being in Israel for Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, I have gained so much.

Yom HaZikaron was especially hard. Many of my counselors have experienced personal loss, and hearing their stories made the day even more meaningful. We went to the Jerusalem city center as the siren sounded at 11 a.m. for two minutes. In that moment everything came to a pause. People stopped their daily routines to stand in silence and honor those who had fallen. It was such a powerful experience. The atmosphere throughout the day felt heavy, and there was a shared sense of grief.

That evening, marked a dramatic shift. The transition from Yom HaZikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut was striking. The seriousness of the day changed to celebrations as night fell. My friends and I went to Tel Aviv and we visited Shuk HaCarmel. I had never seen the shuk like that before. There were thousands of people in the streets, celebrating, dancing, and waving Israeli flags. The energy was vibrant and joyful, and there was a strong sense of unity and pride. It was an unforgettable experience that made me feel deeply connected to my identity.

Overall, this has been one of the most meaningful years of my life. Witnessing firsthand how Israelis mourn their losses and celebrate their independence has given me a deeper appreciation for the resilience, strength, and spirit of Israel.”