Mark your calendars and join the festivities: On April 24, Israel celebrates its 59th Independence Day. And in unique Israeli tradition, this joyful holiday follows one day after the solemn Memorial Day.

On Memorial Day, when those who have fallen defending Israel are remembered, it’s customary to recite a prayer containing the words: “They were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions” (2 Sam. 1:23), from David’s eulogy for Saul and Jonathan after the battle on Mount Gilboa. Visitors to Israel are also often profoundly moved when the entire population of Israel comes to a complete halt for a two-minute moment of silence during a siren’s wail that sounds throughout the country.

Then, at sunset, a truly amazing change takes place: Sadness is set aside, and Israelis pour into the streets where stages are set up for song and dance performances. The International Bible Contest for Youth, another traditional event begins, recognizing the link between the people and the land as expressed in the Bible. Worship on Independence Day includes the “Hallelujah” Psalms (115-118) and the sounding of the ram’s horn.

Those planning to be in Israel on Independence Day should try to get tickets as far in advance as possible for the exciting holiday-eve ceremony on Mount Herzl that ends on Memorial Day and kicks off the Independence Day festivities. A torch-lighting ceremony is followed by folk-dancing, precision marching by young soldiers, and spectacular fireworks. A visit to Independence Hall in Tel Aviv where “Israel’s George Washington,” David Ben-Gurion, proclaimed the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, is appropriate and emotionally stirring. And best of all, everyone joins in to dance together with the Israeli people!

For more information, go to www.eretzmuseum.org.il.