Reform Judaism has a window of opportunity among Israelis who now see how progressive forms of Judaism can shape the future of the State of Israel.

In Israel's 70th year, few, especially in the progressive camp, are expecting a jubilee-type liberation – but we must redouble our efforts to promote a just Israel.

As religious Zionists, Israel’s Reform leaders continually reinvent an Israeli Judaism that is authentic, inclusive, and ever-adapting to our evolving religious civilization.

As the sorrow and mourning of Yom HaZikaron give way to Yom HaAtzmaut’s jubilation and pride, we understand that we cannot have one without the other.

Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) is an opportunity for us to turn to the Israel Religious Action Center's staff - people who work on mending Israel's ailments every day - and ask them: What do they love most about Israel? Here is what some of them had to say.

After Yom HaZikaron, we make the heart-wrenching, 180-degree transition from deep mourning to joyous celebration of the miraculous feat of independence. 

Growing up in Israel, I took part in my school’s Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) memorial ceremony every year, commemorating Israel’s fallen soldiers and terror victims. It was always sad and always painful, though I experienced it differently each time.

Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey, after you left Egypt - how, undeterred by fear of God, he surprised you on the march, when you were famished and weary, and cut down all the stragglers in your rear.

If, after you have entered the land that the Lord your God has assigned to you, and taken possession of it and settled in it, you decide, "I will set a king over me, as do all the nations about me," you shall be free to set a king over yourself…

-Deuteronomy