Fireworks explode over Jerusalem’s Old City during celebrations for Israel’s Independence Day marking the 62nd anniversary of the creation of the state April 19, 2010. (Reuters).
A lights display, on the facade of a skyscraper in Tel Aviv, creating the Israeli flag is seen on the evening of Israel's 62nd Independence Day April 19, 2010. Each light on the building represents a donation made by text message for a charity that works with troubled Israeli youths. (Reuters).
Israelis wave their national flag and dance in a street as they celebrate Israel’s Independence Day in Jerusalem on April 19, 2010. Israelis are celebrating 62 years since the founding of the Jewish state on May 14, 1948, which according to the Jewish calendar corresponds this year to April 20.
A man takes a photograph of a couple waving an Israeli flag-balloon hammer during Israel’s 62nd Independence Day celebrations in Rabin square in central Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, April 19, 2010. (AP Photo).
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and Israeli President Shimon, right, attend the annual Memorial Day at the Mt. Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Monday, April 19, 2010. On Monday Israel marked its annual Memorial Day commemorating nearly 23,000 fallen soldiers and civilian victims of terror attacks. (AP Photo).
An Israeli flag made of 25,000 plastic bottles is seen on April 19, 2010 as Arab-Israeli man Ashraf Massrwha, 36, from the village of Kafr Qari'a in northern Israel, tries to break the world record for the largest flag. The flag measures 450 square meters. Israel is marking its 62nd creation anniversary. (Getty Pictures).
Israelis stand in front of a wall engraved with names of fallen Israeli soldiers at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem April 19, 2010. Israel on Monday marks Memorial Day to commemorate its fallen soldiers. (Reuters).
The Silver Platter — Natan Alterman
(“The state will not be given to the Jewish people on a silver platter." Chaim Weizmann)
As the nation stands up
Torn at heart but existing
To receive its first wonder
In two thousand years
As the moment draws near
It will rise, darkness facing
Standing straight in the moonlight
In terror and joy
…When across from it steps out
Towards it slowly pacing
In plain sight of all
A young girl and a boy
Dressed in battle gear, dirty
Shoes heavy with grime
On the path they will climb up
While their lips remain sealed
To change garb, to wipe brows
They have not yet found time
Still bone weary from days
And from nights in the field
Full of endless fatigue
And all drained of emotion
Yet the dew of their youth
Is still seen on their head
Thus like statues they stand
Stiff and still with no motion
And no sign that will show
If they live or are dead
Then a nation in tears
And amazed at this matter
Will ask: who are you?
And the two will then say
With soft voice: We —
Are the silver platter
On which the Jewish state
Was given.