Let Me Fly This Past You

I live in Rehovot. Many readers will not have heard of this small town, it is a newcomer having been established just over 130 years ago. Among those ignorant of our presence is the Israeli Air Force.

It is nearly Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Every year, on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the air force carries out a nationwide fly-past. And every year the air force manages to miss Rehovot. This is strange as every other day of the year our peace is disturbed at all times of the day and night by low-flying aircraft from a nearby air base. Surely, they know what they are flying over, even my humble car has a GPS.

We are not the only ones to be confused, a website, Tourist Israel, advertises Israeli Independence Day May 4-5, 2022. The web page includes a link (see the schedule for the Independence Day Fly Over). A quick tap on this useful link brings up Yom HaAtzmaut Fly Over Air Show 2020 – only two years out of date.

We could ask our Twin Cities for some assistance. Rehovot is twinned with many cities including: Albuquerque – United States, Bistrița – Romania, Grenoble – France, Heidelberg – Germany, Valjevo – Serbia. A good reason for our town councillors to get out and about, and spend some of our taxes.

Perhaps our ultra-modern air force, with nearly 700 aircraft including F15s and F16s, is a little embarrassed to be led by Ezer Weizman’s famous Black Spitfire. They need not worry; this ancient aircraft hardly ever takes to the skies. It is in good company; of the 20,351 Spitfires built, only 240 are left and just 60 are airworthy.

But, at least I will be able to enjoy an afternoon doze. Only on Yom Ha’Atzmaut can I be sure that the Israeli Airforce will not disturb me.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut sameach to all my readers.