While I sat down to write an Israel-themed blog post, I couldn’t help but get distracted by all the great messages and resources circulating on Twitter from the past two days. There were so many gems that I figured it’s the perfect time for a literary roundup Israel style!

Yesterday marked Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day, in which we mourn the loss of the 22,684 who have fallen since Israel was founded in 1948. Yom HaZikaron begins at sundown the night before. In Israel, two sirens are blasted: one at 8:00pm on the preceding evening to mark the beginning of the observance and the other at 11:00am to mark the opening of the official ceremonies. During these sirens, Israelis stop everything, even driving, and stand in silence as a sign of respect.

Thanks to Jewlicious, you can watch a video filmed of Israelis in Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda market during yesterday’s siren blast.

Tamar Fox discuses the difference between how Americans and Israelis observe their respective Memorial Days in MyJewishLearning’s Mixed Multitude blog.

Jewish Ideas Daily’s article, “Remembering the Fallen, and Why They Fell,” explains how the theme of death and loss has “come to be reflected in poetic texts and liturgies” and “evolved in Israeli and Jewish consciousness.”

Jewish Treats reflects on the theme of Jews and War and looks at military references from the Bible.

As soon as Yom HaZikaron ended last night, we began celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Today marks 62 years since Israel declared independence in 1948. The occasions were scheduled back to back to remind Jews what we’ve had to sacrifice to gain independence as we transition from sadness to joy.

I was excited when I read a tweet from AIPAC stating, “At its birth in 1948, #Israel had 806,000 people. On the eve of its 62nd Independence Day, Israel has a population of 7,587,000.” It’s impressive to see how far Israel has come over 62 challenging years.

Aish.com also shares an incredible video called Israel: Defying the Odds about Israel’s accomplishments.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates two miracles in his address to the Diaspora Jews yesterday. The uplifting speech can be read at The Jerusalem Post.

Lastly, in his personal blog, Menachem Mendel features a variety of liturgical responses in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut over the years.

The Jewish Publication Society wishes Israel a happy 62^nd birthday and we hope you have a wonderful Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration!