259 - Yom Ha'atzmaut

Established on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel had a painful birth and has lived with an uncertain future all her life. This year, especially, as the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day’ proceeds amidst an atmosphere of war and repeated terrorist bombings, our prayers and actions for peace and justice are the beribboned birthday gift of Israel’s heart’s desire.

Two Hundred Fifty-Nine

Yom Ha’atzmaut

This Land was conceived of longing,
Again to make manifest Your promise;
This Land was birthed in terror and joy.
Her own midwife, Your concern her only solace.

Celebrate our beginning, Holy One,
Gift us with lasting peace;
Turn our prayers to reality,
Still the endless battle.

Then will we rejoice in our Land,
Nourishing our garden not with tears but living water;
Then shall the young dance unmolested,
Then safety and wholeness shall reign.