Day 112 Yom HaAtzma'ut

 

4/22/2026

 "Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;
When I fall, I will arise;
When I sit in darkness,
The Lord will be a light to me."

Micah 7:8

 

As the day drew to a close yesterday, the observance of Yom HaZikaron ended, and as the new day began, Israel began to celebrate Yom HaAtzma'ut, their Independence Day. A day of grief, mourning, and remembrance turned to a day of celebration over the birth of their nation. Today marks 78 years since Israel became a nation again. Even though yesterday was a time of mourning and remembering those who had fallen defending this great nation, today was a day of rejoicing and joy! According to a report: "This historic moment came after nearly 2,000 years of exile following the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The re-establishment of Israel fulfilled numerous biblical prophecies concerning the regathering of the Jewish people to their land (Isaiah 66:8; Ezekiel 36–37)."

Last night I watched a brief segment of the celebration, and I got to see the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, perform on stage with the musicians, singing in Hebrew with great enthusiasm and a little dancing. He was honored to light one of the torches for the ceremonies. He was also awarded Israel's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Honor, by President Isaac Herzog recognizing his strong support, especially in return of the hostages. Milei also announced his plans to move the Argentina embassy to Jerusalem. There is a strong bond between the nations of Israel and Argentina, and it has been a joy watching the friendship grow and blossom! 

Today I attended an online event hosted by Israel365 in Jerusalem for an Independence Day celebration with reading the Hallel (Praise) and enjoying music and testimonies by Christians who support Israel. The Hallel is a group of Psalms 113 - 118 that are read at celebrations and appointed feasts and "serve as reminders of major milestones in Jewish heritage, including the Exodus, the giving of the Torah, and the hope for the Messianic Age. The intentional transition from mourning to celebration—within a single day—reflects a profound truth: the cost of redemption and the faithfulness of God to restore a people to their inheritance."

This is an exciting time to be standing with Israel as prophecy is being played out right before our eyes, and the eyes of the Orthodox Jews, because the scriptures are so clearly being seen, and the relationship between the Christians and the Jews is growing and encouraged. Since 10/7/2023, many have been returning to their faith in God, which is the Biblical heritage of the chosen people of God. As we stand in prayer with our friends, we pray that their spiritual eyes will be enlightened, and they will come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. The fields are indeed ripe for harvest. This is also a time when God is returning those exiled to other countries back to Jerusalem as according to the word spoken in Isaiah 43:1-7:

"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, "Give them up!" And to the south, "Do not keep them back!" Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth - Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes I have made him.'"

This is the promise of the Lord. As we stand together, we pray for leaders of our nations, Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald J Trump to continue to work in unity and harmony especially during this time with war between Israel and Iran. But make no mistake, as this war has been ongoing, and the goal of the jihadist Iranian government has not only called for the extermination of the Jewish people, but also America. The leaders and imams have been very vocal in their plans and threats against our nations, and it appears now that the leaders of Iran have been killed, that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) leaders still plan to carry out the threats. Back in 1948 when Iran was recognized by Ben Gurion as a State, they immediately came under attack from the Muslims, but they were able to maintain their independence at a great cost. Israel has continued to face such challenges with wars over the 78 years of being a nation, called back by God who gave the land to Israel in covenant with Abraham. I am so grateful to be part of that covenant as a believer in Christ, grafted in as a supporter of the chosen people. I will continue to stand on the wall with my fellow intercessors according to Isaiah 62:6-7: "I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

Am Israel Chai!