Memorial Day at the Wall

Tonight, Israel's military held an official ceremony at the Wailing Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem in order to mark the beginning of Israel's Memorial Day, when Israel remembers all of the soldiers who died defending their country during its countless wars of survival over the past 65 years. The service started at 8 PM, and I had class until 6, so as soon as class was over I ran out to the gate, met up with a friend, and grabbed a cab. We were dropped off at the base of the Old City's eastern walls, as the road to the Kotel (Wailing Wall) were already blocked off by police barriers, with heavily armed soldiers and policemen patrolling the streets. We walked the length of the walls to get to the Dung Gate, the quickest access to the Wall. While on the way to the Wall, I was able to get some great pictures of the Mount of Olives at sunset, situated across from us and separated from the Old City by the Kidron Valley. Once we got through the gate, went through heavy security, and emerged in the Western Wall plaza, I realized how military this ceremony was going to be. Soldiers were everywhere, some armed, some not, and all in uniform. I got some pictures with some and shook hands with others, telling them that America stood with them today to honor their sacrifice. Foreign military attaches were also present, and I saw the American, British, French, Chinese (maybe Vietnamese), and possibly German attaches, all in dress uniform. Shin Bet agents were everywhere, decked out in suits and ear-bud radios, looking just like our Secret Service. Later on, we understood the reason for their heavy presence, as Israeli President Shimon Peres appeared and was the keynote speaker for the event. He spoke of loss and sadness over the deaths of men and women who had sacrificed all for their country. He continued by stressing the need to always remember those who had died so that Israel might live, and to live every day to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain. He concluded by reassuring his audience that Israel is strong, and will continue to survive and prosper in this region. He was speaking in Hebrew, but there was a guy a short ways away giving a running translation for those of us who were foreigners. There were several speakers after him, concluded by a Rabbi, who spoke, prayed, and then sang a very stirring prayer to God that echoed throughout the plaza and could probably be heard throughout the city. Throughout the service, an honor guard of soldiers from all branches of the Israeli military stood at attention around a flame of remembrance, guarding it and honoring the memory of their comrades who had paid the ultimate sacrifice. Once the Rabbi concluded his hymn, a different singer started to sing Hatikva, Israel's national anthem. This was taken up by the soldiers and packed crowd with great enthusiasm, so that thousands of voices were lifted to the heavens in praise of Israel and in supplication to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed, and I was proud to be among the Israelis at their service of remembrance.