This week, Israelis again marked the powerful and poignant transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day – honoring those who fell protecting the nation and were killed in the name of senseless terrorism, and then celebrating the joys of freedom, perseverance, and opportunity. 

This annual tradition encapsulates the Israeli spirit. Now a nation of 9.5 million citizens, the Jewish state celebrated its 74th Independence Day with ceremonies and concerts.

As pro-Israel Americans, we join in the celebration of this incredible milestone. American leaders sent messages of solidarity to the people of Israel. President Biden declared that "Our ties are unbreakable, and I’m proud to stand with Israel today and always."

Yet tragically, celebrations came to stop as Palestinian terrorists attacked a group of Israelis in the central town of Elad – murdering three and seriously wounding others.

The victims – Yonatan Havakuk (44), Oren Ben Yiftah (35) and Boaz Gol (49) – were laid to rest Friday afternoon.

They leave behind 16 children.
 
We join the people of Israel in mourning.

We are inspired by their steadfast resilience, and we continue our work to ensure America always stands by their side.

Ruth Wasserman Lande is a member of Knesset, representing the Blue and White party. She is also an active member of the Internal Security Committee and the Foreign Policy and Security Committee, as well as the co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus. She focuses on mitigating crime and violence in Israeli-Arab neighborhoods and strengthening the relationships in Israeli-Arab cities.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Amir Hayek joins AIPAC to discuss his role as Israel's first ambassador to the UAE following the signing of the Abraham Accords.

Ambassador Hayek reflects on what the Abraham Accords have accomplished thus far, the new era he has been a part of, and his vision for the future of the region.

Greece's Ambassador to the U.S. Alexandra Papadopoulou joins AIPAC to discuss the U.S.-Israel-Greece trilateral relationship.

Ambassador Papadopoulou dives into the shared history between the three countries and how the strategic relationship also benefits the broader Mediterranean region.

Restart CEO Niv Efron, who was wounded as an IDF soldier in 2014 during Operation Protective Edge, sits down with AIPAC to discuss how he kickstarted his life after his injury, and how he now helps other wounded veterans do the same.

Restart is an Israeli non-profit that helps wounded soldiers restart their life journey after physical and/or emotional trauma resulting from their duty.

As we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, we thank you for your strong commitment to a safe and secure Israel.

Watch this special message and embark on a virtual visit to Israel with music by the Shalva Band — a dynamic Israeli band featuring musicians with disabilities.

Fauda actor and acclaimed Israeli musician Tsahi Halevi shared a song with AIPAC to commemorate Yom Hazikaron.

"In these moments, we discover again and again the power of our wonderful, marvelous nation — a nation that knows how to overcome every obstacle," says Israeli President Herzog.

"Israel has achieved so much in just 74 years. We’ve built a strong country with a booming economy and we recently ranked #9 happiest country in the world."

"I want to wish all Israelis a Happy Independence Day...Israel today is militarily powerful, prosperous, innovative, and a diverse, vibrant democracy," says U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides.

This is the week that Israelis celebrate the miracle of Israel's existence—but only after they've acknowledged the horrific price survival continues to exact. A conversation with Maytal Itkis.

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