(AJNews) – it was a busy week in the Jewish communities of Calgary and Edmonton, in Israel and across the Jewish world. Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day honouring those who lost their lives in the Holocaust – was held on April 24, Yom Hazikaron – Israeli Memorial Day honouring those who gave their lives in service for Israel was held on April 30. Yom Haatzmaut – Israel’s 77th Independence Day – was celebrated on May 2. The week is always filled with a lot of emotion and this year even more so.
The City of Calgary displayed the Israeli flag at City Hall in honour of Israel’s 77th Independence Day. Calgary Jewish Federation posted – “Your gesture of solidarity means so much to our community. Am Yisrael Chai”
In Israel, the 77th anniversary of independence was marked on Thursday, 1 May 2025, in a moving ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, honouring 120 outstanding soldiers from across the Israel Defense Forces. While the event celebrated Israel’s great accomplishments and contributions in so many fields, it was held under the shadow of war, grief, and national longing for the return of the hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.
In his address, President Isaac Herzog placed the hostages at the heart of the day’s message: “Even on our national holiday – and especially on our national holiday – we cannot celebrate independence with a whole heart when our brothers and sisters are not with us. Israel as a nation long for them, for their freedom.”
President Herzog reiterated his call to the nation to hold fast to its shared values and unity, “This uniquely Israeli courage is also the source of our strength – in our steadfast national commitment: to bring all the hostages home. All of them.”
He also addressed the psychological warfare waged by Hamas, recalling the despicable scenes from hostage release “ceremonies” in Gaza. He said, “A banner hung on stage read: ‘Zionism will not prevail.’ But anyone who sees the courage of Israel – in our soldiers, in our honourees – understands, beyond any doubt: they are wrong. Zionism will prevail.”
The President also praised Israel’s soldiers, security forces, and emergency responders, many of whom continue to serve under immense personal sacrifice. Addressing the outstanding soldiers honored at the ceremony, he said, “I read your stories. I read what brought you to this moment of distinction. Because of you, we will prevail. Because of your generation – we will prevail.”
Later in the day, President Herzog hosted the annual diplomatic reception for ambassadors and members of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Israel. The event, attended by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and other senior officials, reflected the enduring bonds between Israel and the international community, even in a year marked by loss, resilience, and hope.
Addressing the event, President Herzog began by thanking those nations who had offered assistance to Israel as its firefighters and rescue services battled the fires across the country over the past days. He said, “I want to express my profound gratitude to the countries that have stepped forward to help us in a stark moment of crisis; helping turn it into a moment of human solidarity. I pray, along with all of us, for the safety of our communities, our brave fire-fighters, and for a rapid and full resolution to this disaster.”
The President said, “Seventy-seven years ago, the Jewish people, still on the ashes of the Holocaust, stood on its feet and took a radical leap forward: establishing the independent, Jewish and democratic State of Israel. Our young state proceeded to reach heights that no one would have thought possible. Emerging victorious on the battlefield. Making peace with former enemies. Establishing a vibrant democracy. And eventually becoming a world-leader in science and innovation; helping find sustainable solutions in agriculture, medicine, and so many of the fields that hold humanity’s most pressing challenges.”
He noted that key among these challenges was the immediate return of all the hostages held in Gaza. “Our hearts and minds go out at this moment, first and foremost to our hostages, who are still buried, alive and dead, in Hamas’ underground dungeons. This grievous and ongoing crime violates every legal, ethical and human norm.” He urged, “I call upon all of your nations, all of your governments, and upon all people of morality, to see in this moment the moment to act swiftly and decisively with us to end this horrendous crime. And bring all of them home. Every last one. Urgently.”
The President added that the world must stand united in preventing Iran’s ongoing efforts to spread terror. He said, “It is not our battle alone. In this battle, we must all stand united. We must jointly ensure that Iran never reaches its nuclear goals. We must insist that it ends its subversive terror activities, including arming and orchestrating the terrorism of its radical proxies.”
The President reiterated, “My friends, this gathering here shows clearly: there is another way. Diplomacy and dialogue can forge new realities. I pray for the moment when corridors of connectivity that bring security, prosperity and peace will stretch from Israel to India. Not as a distant dream, but as a clear and present reality.”
The President thanked the attendees from around the world, and concluded, “Israel’s story is one of resilience, audacity and hope. And we hold fast to these deep resources now. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you, as we come together in goodwill, commitment and purpose, to transform pain into growth, and to shape a shared future of stability, peace and prosperity.”
Also addressing the diplomats was Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh who was taken hostage on October 7, and murdered in captivity nearly a year later. Rachel spoke movingly about her late son, his memory, and his ordeal at the hands of Hamas terrorists.
She went on to say, “Our country, Israel, is bursting with potential. It is a magnificent, complicated, textured, sacred, hurting, diverse, blessed and battered place. It has challenges and opportunities at this fragile time, with its 77th birthday, and so my dear friend, Israel, there is so much I would like to wish for you, but most supreme and urgent is the wish to reclaim the identity of the heart, core, and DNA of this treasured land, and that is bringing home the remaining 59 precious hostages. It won’t be easy, but nothing meaningful in life ever is, and it is absolutely doable, as long as people with power decide that it is an interest and an equity for them. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I am simply a regular person, but I know that every single one of you here has the ability to help make this happen. You were not put here by chance,” she told them.
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