Israel celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding – the crisis overshadows the celebration

Celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the state began in Israel on Tuesday night. In Jerusalem, the central event was opened, during which twelve torches were lit. They symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel mentioned in the Bible. Celebrations and fireworks are also planned in numerous cities.

According to media reports, several cities, including Tel Aviv, wanted to use silent fireworks. With this sound-damped variant, among other things, military personnel with a post-traumatic stress disorder must be taken into account. Otherwise, the explosion of the fireworks could mentally put those affected back into combat situations.

The jubilee celebrations are overshadowed by the dispute over judicial reform, which opponents denounce as a threat to democracy. In the evening a large demonstration against the reform started in Tel Aviv. In an interview, Israeli President Izchak Herzog classified the dispute as the “worst internal crisis since the founding of the state” 75 years ago. At the same time, in an interview with the Israeli news site ynet, he expressed the hope that the country would emerge stronger from the drama.

Israel commemorated its fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism on Tuesday. Commemoration ceremonies included protests against government officials and discussions between opponents and supporters of the reform.

A flypast is planned for Wednesday over large parts of the country. The German Air Force is also participating for the first time. An Eagle Star 2.0 Eurofighter is personally flown by Air Force Inspector Ingo Gerhartz. The wings of the fighter jet are decorated with the German and Israeli flags.

On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was proclaimed. State founder David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv. Israel celebrates its birthday according to the Hebrew calendar and therefore earlier this year. (sda/dpa)