This week we commemorated Yom HaShaoh, Holocaust Memorial Day. I had the honor of participating in three beautiful events to commemorate the day. We estimate there are still 211,000 Holocaust Survivors alive (sadly, 40% live in poverty), yet by 2032, there will be fewer than 100,000. As the Survivors pass away, it is a reminder that we must NEVER FORGET!

This coming Tuesday evening, the 4th of Iyar (Hebrew calendar), will be Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. This day is to remember the over 25,000 casualties of war and victims of terror attacks who have fallen since 1860 (when Jews were first allowed to live outside of Jerusalem’s Old City walls) in their struggle for the State of Israel. 

In Israel, the cemeteries will be full as people visit the graves of loved ones (over 25% of the country’s population will visit military cemeteries and perhaps many more given the ongoing war with Hamas). The most noticeable features of the day are the sounds of sirens heard throughout the country -- twice. At those times, the entire nation comes to a standstill, including all traffic and activities. The first minute-long siren at 8:00 p.m. marks the beginning of Yom HaZikaron, and the second, lasting two minutes, will be heard at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. It is an experience to be there to feel the entire country united in grief.

Our Jewish community will mark Yom HaZikaron on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center with a special service.

Following the conclusion of Yom HaZikaron comes the celebration of Israel’s independence, Yom Ha'Atzmaut. The official "switch" from Yom HaZikaron to Yom Ha’Atzmaut takes place a few minutes after sundown with a ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, in which the Israeli flag is raised from half-staff (due to Memorial Day) to the top of the pole. The message of linking these two days is clear: Israelis owe their independence - the very existence of the State - to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for it.

Israel's Independence Day is celebrated on the 5th of Iyar (this date corresponded to May 14, 1948), which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the State of Israel, when members of the "provisional government" read and signed the Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv.

For American Jews, celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaut is our way to express solidarity with the State of Israel and to strengthen our connections. The Jewish Federation is helping sponsor two community events to celebrate Israel’s 77^th anniversary:

• Thursday, May 1 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center – There will be a DJ, snacks, games, dancing, children's activities, and songs for people of all ages. Register here.

• Sunday, May 4 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the Elsie Stuhr Center (5550 SW Hall Boulevard) -- This family-friendly event promises a night of vibrant culture, music, and flavors. Enjoy live performances by local Israeli bands, a DJ spinning Tel Aviv-style beats, Israeli dance, children’s activities, and food. Register here.

In my Marc’s Remarks in May 2016, I wrote:

I recognize that we are in a time in which unconditional support of Israel is passionately debated. When I talk to people in our community and read articles from a variety of sources it seems we are presented with two apparently conflicting and opposing ideas about Israel -- either justice, meaning an Israel that lives up to high moral standards, or security for a safer Israel threatened by neighbors that want to destroy her. So much of the Jewish community appears organized around these two choices. We are seemingly to choose one - justice or security. For some reason it has become an “either/or” situation -- not an “and.”

Sadly, we are in a similar situation nine years later.

As my longtime friend Michael Wegier, Chief Executive of Board of Deputies of British Jews, also wrote in 2016, “Many people, including Jews, limit discussion of Israel to issues around the conflict with the Palestinians. We often find it hard to see Israel through any other lens. Of course, the peace process and conflict are major issues we cannot ignore. They dominate the current landscape, but our challenge and responsibility this Yom Ha’Atzmaut is to reject this approach. Israel is so much more than the conflict. Its society, languages, multi-cultures, technological and medical advancements, and economy are rich wellsprings that nurture Israeli life and can also inspire the Diaspora.”

This juxtaposition between Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut has heavier meaning today as the Hamas-Israel war continues. We should all hope and pray we are no longer caught between mourning and celebration – no more fallen soldiers…no more attacks… no more sirens…no more destruction…all the hostages come home…and only peaceful and joyous days ahead.

The World Zionist Congress elections continue through May 4. Cast your vote for one of the slates representing diverse political beliefs, religious denominations, and cultural traditions. The delegates will allocate over $1 billion annually to support Israel and world Jewry. American Jews have a rare opportunity to make a direct impact on the future direction of Israel and Diaspora affairs. Voting is a simple online process (costs $5 for administrative fees). Vote here!

On a bittersweet note, mazel tov to Hannah Sherman, who for the past seven years has served as Director of Greater Portland Hillel. She has been appointed the new Executive Director of Hillel at the University of Washington. It is always wonderful to see Jewish professionals grow and we wish her all the best in her new role.

The Jewish Federation continues to build bridges with our local Hindu community. Many of us may be unaware of a horrific attack that took place on Tuesday in Kashmir in northern India where Hindu tourists were ambushed. Twenty-six people lost their lives and many more injured -- having been targeted based solely on their religious identity.

This was not just an act of terror — it was a deliberate and brutal assault on innocent people whose only “offense” was belonging to a particular faith. We stand together in mourning, solidarity, and moral clarity. This attack is a reminder that hatred and extremism continue to threaten peaceful coexistence, and that our work to foster understanding and unity is as vital as ever.

Finally, we just concluded National Volunteer Week, established in 1974. Thank you to everyone who volunteers -- however and wherever -- we recognize you for the time, energy, and heart you bring to our community. Thank you for being such an inspiration. We could not do our work without you.

Shabbat shalom.