Israelis celebrated 66 years since the founding of the modern State on Tuesday, with over a million people visiting national parks, beaches, forests and nature reserves for barbecues and family picnics while many more flocked to military bases for official ceremonies. The festive holiday kicked off with the traditional torch lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem Monday evening, as the country made a sharp transition from the somber mood accompanying Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Festivities including the country’s senior leadership and held at the Presidential residence in Jerusalem were broadcast live and watched in millions of households. President Shimon Peres, who at 90 is the world’s oldest serving head of state, declared during his remarks that “The bravery of the soldiers of the IDF is worth more than any other resource. Israel is not a passing shadow but a reality as strong as stone.” Read More
