Credits:

00:05 Report by / Emily Gordine
00:30 Benjamin Netanyahu / Israeli Prime Minister
01:22 Jeremy Vogel / Department of Jewish Philosophy, Tel Aviv University

Script:

“Wooo Amm Israel Chai” (“The people of Israel live”) 

Israel is marking 78 years of independence after two and half years of war.  

+++ VOX POPS +++
“Especially this year, Independence Day is celebration, it’s miraculous, it’s safety. And it’s an opportunity to take a deep breath after a really intense year.”  

An official torch lighting ceremony was held in Jerusalem, attended by special guests,  

with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivering a pre-recorded message. 

+++ (Hebrew) Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister +++
"In shelters and hospitals, in moments of pain, in moments of joy, we have no other country and will not have another one. With God's help, we will complete the victory, strengthen our state, and secure our future." 

Many others used the moment to make their own political points – joining alternative independence events. 

+++ VOX POPS +++
"Many people in Israel feel that the official ceremony and that the government doesn’t reflect their values anymore and that our democracy is being eroded and so these kinds of ceremonies give hope to a lot of people that we can strengthen our democracy and really ensure that this remains a Jewish and democratic state in the future.” 

Reflecting on what it means to be Israeli now – and the challenges this divided country now faces. 

+++ Jeremy Vogel, Department of Jewish Philosophy, Tel Aviv University +++
"I think Israelis are incredibly concerned about the country, its future, about the tenability of the Jewish, democratic project. And I, in particular, but many other people are deeply worried about the moral crisis that Israel and Israeli Judaism has found itself."