IN 1897, a Viennese Jew, journalist, and visionary named Theodor Herzl launched the modern Zionist movement at a meeting in Basel, Switzerland. Two hundred Jewish delegates from all over the world participated in this meeting, where they called for a Jewish state capital in their ancestral land, Palestine. At the time, Palestine was ruled by Turks.
Fifty years later, on May 14, 1948, the 5th of Iyar of the Hebrew calendar, David Ben-Gurion, who was the Chairman of the Jews Agency in Palestine, went on to become the first Prime Minister of Israel. He read the Declaration of Independence in the old Tel Aviv museum with the words: “We hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz YIsrael, to be known as the State of Israel.” Thus, the great nation of Israel was born.
Key points of Declaration
The land of Israel: It emphasises that the land of Israel is the birthplace of the Jewish people, where they formed their spiritual, religious, and national identity and maintained their connection throughout their exile, praying and hoping for a return.
International recognition: It cites the Balfour Declaration and the Mandate of the League of Nations as international recognition of the Jewish people’s rights to reconstitute their national home in Palestine.
Jewish state: It mentions the Nazi holocaust that highlighted the urgency for the establishment of the Jewish state.
Fight against Nazis: It says that Jews in Palestine contributed to the fight against Nazis during World War II and earned recognition in the founding of the UN.
UNGA resolution: The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on November 29, 1947, for the establishment of an independent Jewish state in Palestine.
Statehood declaration: It declares the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz-Israel, to be known as the State of Israel.
Citizens’ rights: It emphasises the importance of equality, freedom of religion, and respect for the rights of minorities.
Elements of sacrifice
Israel’s Independence Day is known as Yom Haatzmaut, celebrated after Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for fallen soldiers). Typically, in other countries, Memorial Day and Independence Day occur on two separate days, but in Israel, the element of sacrifice to the nation is paramount. The Israeli Defence Forces explain, “The state of Israel wouldn’t be able to celebrate its existence if it weren’t for those who gave their lives for it.”
The official ‘switch’ from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Haatzmaut takes place a few minutes after sundown at the military ceremony on Mount Herzl. The Israeli flag is raised from half-staff to the top of the pole, and soldiers representing the army, navy, and air force parade with their flags. This is followed by a torch-lighting (Har Hatzikaron) ceremony in which 12 torches are lit symbolising the 12 tribes of Israel by people who have made outstanding contributions to society. The ceremony also includes music, dances, parades, and fireworks.
Culmination of struggle
Michael Oren, a former Israeli Ambassador to the US, once said, “The Jews of Palestine were dancing because they were about to realise what was one of the remarkable inspiring achievements in human history.” He was referring to the declaration of independence of Israel, which marked the culmination of a 2,000-year struggle.
This year, in accordance with the Hebrew calendar, Yom Haatzmaut marked Israel’s 75th birthday, from the evening of April 25 through April 26 evening.
It is pertinent to mention that India and Israel have shared a longstanding, rather, ancient relationship. According to Prof Chaim Menachem Rabin of Hebrew University, Jerusalem, the connection between ancient Israel and the Indian sub-continent was recorded during the reign of King Solomon in 10th Century BCE. Ancient trade between India and Israel Levant is documented in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
India-Israel relations
The warmth in the ties between the two states was apparent in the statement Israeli PM Netanyahu had made while addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Israel in July 2017. He had said, “India-Israel relationship is a marriage made in Heaven.”
India is, perhaps, the only country where Jews were never persecuted; they have lived and settled here for thousands of years, carrying on with the vocations of their choice. Notable among Jews who made India their home are Mother Mira Alfassa, who was a Jew of Turkish Origin. She not only embraced Hinduism but also preached Hindu philosophy.
The other is Gen JFR Jacob, the key person who obtained an unconditional public surrender from the Pakistani Army at Dhaka. India congratulates Israel on its 75th Independence Day and wishes its people peace, progress and prosperity.
