Israel is preparing to celebrate her 74th Yom HaAtzmaut, Independence Day.

The struggle for independence came at enormous cost. The freedom that came with independence should translate into equal rights for all of Israel’s citizens.  As French author Albert Camus said, “Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.”

Israel has made enormous progress from her early years to the present – financially, in education, in health care, and generally improving the well-being of her citizens.  And, according to a recent world happiness survey, Israelis are relatively happy. 😊

More good news.  There’s been a jump in the number of non-Jewish Israelis converting in Reform conversion programs.  This is a result of last year’s Supreme Court decision that Reform and Conservative conversions performed in Israel qualify for citizenship.

Our colleagues at the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism and the Israel Religious Action Center do exceptional work to bring equality to all citizens and to make a better Israel.

Nevertheless, the separation of religion and state continues to be a complex topic, due to the monopoly granted to the ultra-Orthodox in religious matters.

In the Knesset, Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana has made one of his key objectives to loosen ultra-Orthodox control over conversion.  He says accessible conversion is critical because almost 500,000 non-Jewish Israelis could marry Jews, creating a risk of assimilation.  The controversial legislation was approved by the government  in February, but has since lost support of some coalition members, so is effectively on hold.

Israel has had many successes in 74 years.  We hope that equality for all streams of Judaism is not too far in the future.

ARZA Canada wishes you a meaningful Yom HaZikaron (Remembrance Day) and a joyous Yom HaAtzmaut.  

If you haven’t been to Israel recently, this video of Israel from the air will remind you of her natural and historic beauty, and maybe show a few places you aren’t familiar with.