Remembrance and Independence

"Our awareness that the dedication of those who fell made our independence possible gives us the strength to cope with the sorrow of Yom Ha'Zikaron. At the same time, our awareness of that terrible price, encourages us not only to appreciate our joy on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, but also to strive to channel our independence in the proper direction. This contrast between sorrow and joy at a time of redemption is reflected in Tehillim 107"

Rabbi Menachem Leibtag, Tehillim 107 - Yom Haatzmaut

"It is not overstating the case to claim that the entire Torah is a description of the relationship of the Jewish people and the land of Israel. From Rashi's opening comment (that the Torah begins with the story of creation to validate our claim to the land of Israel), to G-d's command to Abraham to go to Israel, to G-d's charge to Moshe at the burning bush that He will bring the Jewish people from Egypt to Israel, it is the land of Israel that is link between us and G-d, 'And I will place my Sanctuary among you and My spirit will not reject you' (VaYikra 26:11)."

Rabbi Jay Kelman, Bechukotai - Coming Home

"Beyond the commandment, there is a deeper pull toward Eretz Yisrael. For Avraham (as for contemporary olim), there is no initial promise that everything is going to work out. Nonetheless, Avraham returns to God's land after being forced to leave due to the famine, and remains loyal to Eretz Yisrael."

Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell, Avraham's Aliya and Our Aliya

More Articles:

 Blessed Volunteers -Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein | Foregoing Serenity to Help a Brother - Rabbi David Silverberg | Renewed Strength -Rabbi Yehuda Shaviv | The Garden of Eden in Israel -Dr. Yael Ziegler | Yeshayahu 9-12 - Neta Shapira | Yirmiyahu 29-30 - Rabbi David Sabato | "HaTikva" Then and Now - Rabbi Yaakov Medan | Tell His Righteousness to a Born Nation - Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein | Survival and Fulfilment: Thoughts on Yom HaAtzma'ut - Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein | A Psalm for Independence Day -Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun | Eretz Yisrael in Tanakh and Jewish Thought - Rabbi Chaim Navon | Siege and Salvation in Shomron - Rabbi Alex Israel | Acharei Mot - Kedoshim and Yom HaAtzmaut - Rabbi Shlomo Dov Rosen

Moadim L'simcha L'geula Shleima!