Israel Celebrates 71st Independence Day on Heels of Deadly Gaza Rocket Barrage

Emily Jones
05-09-2019

Share This article

Israel is celebrating its 71st anniversary as a modern state Thursday. 

Israel's Air Force marked Independence Day by performing its traditional flyover event. 

Each year, millions stop to watch the combat jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters fly over the entirety of the country doing acrobatics and stunts. 

The Air Force made a special tribute to Israel's communities living on the Gaza border who are still recovering from a deadly conflict with terrorists in Gaza that left four Israelis dead last weekend. 

Independence Day began as Israel transitioned from a somber Memorial Day Wednesday dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers and terror victims.

Israel was re-established on May 14th, 1948, but the country marks the holiday according to the Jewish calendar. 

Families all over the country flock to beaches and parks to enjoy barbeques. 

President Reuven Rivlin also took time to host a ceremony honoring the men and women in the Israel Defense Forces. 

"You, who are not afraid of challenges, who are ready for the unexpected, who pull harder and stronger than anyone, you are Israel's hope and spirit that beats within us, that leads us," Rivlin told the 120 soldiers. 

Share This article

About The Author

Emily
Jones

Emily Jones is a multi-media journalist for CBN News in Jerusalem. Before she moved to the Middle East in 2019, she spent years regularly traveling to the region to study the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, meet with government officials, and raise awareness about Christian persecution. During her college years, Emily served as president of Regent University's Christians United for Israel chapter and spoke alongside world leaders at numerous conferences and events. She is an active member of the Philos Project, an organization that seeks to promote positive Christian engagement with the Middle
More