Celebrating Israel

It’s hard to believe that Israel is 75 years old. All over the country, flags of blue and white fly proudly from cars, homes, and along the streets. There’s so much joy as everyone joins together to celebrate. Even though I wasn’t born here, I’m proud to have made Israel home and be part the country’s festivities.

Originally from Toronto, I can’t help but marvel at the switch between the sadness of Yom HaZikaron – Memorial day to the celebratory day of Yom HaAtzmaut – Independence day. For 24 hours, the sadness of the day is felt. We remember the soldiers who bravely gave their lives for the country and we remember those that terrorists have killed. It’s important to hear the personal stories that are shared on television, in newspapers, and social media. As the siren sounds for 2 minutes of silence and we all come to a standstill, we bow our heads, say a prayer and honor the fallen.

But 24 hours later, it all changes.

In just a few hours we’ll be attending ceremonies that signify the end of Yom HaZikaron and the beginning of Yom HaAtzmaut. We’ll burst into celebration. We have prevailed and will continue to thrive against all threats.

Whether we made aliyah or are native Israeli, everyone erupts in excitement. Music plays and everyone rejoices into the early morning light of dawn.

This year we’ll be celebrating at a friend’s home with breakfast of many tasty cheeses, rolls, and yummy desserts as we watch the anticipated air force flyovers from their rooftop garden. We’ll watch proudly as the planes zoom across the sky, releasing blue and white streams and hearts of smoke too. Then in the afternoon, we’ll host our family for the traditional barbecue.

As I see the blue and white Israeli flags proudly waving on Yom HaAtzmaut, I often reflect on my aliyah to Israel. It wasn’t easy to uproot our family, pack our belongings and travel halfway around the world to start a new life. But Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people. It is the country of our birthright and the place where we belong.

We have so much to be proud of. We are blessed to call Israel home.

As an Interior Designer, I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to the lives of so many families who have purchased homes in Israel. I know that I’ve contributed to their experience of life in Israel. A home is a reflection of the unique personalities and lifestyles of the families who live in them. It’s a place  to nurture  relationships and create  everlasting memories. Being able to help families create their unique space and make it theirs, is a true honor.

Designing homes in Israel is an incredible experience, and it’s one that I cherish. Israel is a country rich in history, culture, and innovation, and I feel fortunate to be able to contribute to its development.

So as we celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, we continue to remember the sacrificies that were made to build this beautiful country. We look back with gratitude and pride at all that has been accomplished. And we continue in  peace, joy, strength and hope to build a bright future each in our own way.

Chag Atzmaut Sameach