Through the symbol of doves, the individual demonstrates his yearning to return to the sacred, sublime environment of the Mikdash.
The beginning of Parashat Tazria presents the laws relevant to the "yoledet," a woman after childbirth. After a period during which she may not enter the Mikdash, the woman must bring a sacrifice consisting of a pigeon and dove. This offering, of pigeons and/or doves, appears several times throughout Chumash, usually (though not always) in the context of a purification process, such as in the case of a "yoledet." For example, in Parashat Metzora, we read of the required purification process of a metzora, who must bring an offering before he can reenter the Jewish camp. A metzora who cannot afford the more expensive, standard offering brings two pigeons or doves. Similarly, in certain cases of bodily discharge ("zav" and "zava"), the individual must bring this offering before resuming his or her prior status of ritual purity.
Rav David Tzvi Hoffman suggests viewing this offering in light of Yeshayahu's prophecy in chapter 60 (verse 8), describing the future, mass pilgrimage of nations to Yerushalayim: "Who are these that float like a cloud, like doves to their nests?" Rav Hoffman claims that this verse employed doves as symbolic of homesickness and longing to return home. It thus serves as an appropriate sacrifice for one who had been barred entry into the Mikdash for an extended period of time. Through this symbol, the individual demonstrates his yearning to return to the sacred, sublime environment of the Mikdash.
We have yet to realize our national dream of reentry into the Mikdash, but we have been privileged to see the fulfillment of the age-old dream spoken of by David Ha-melekh: "When God restores the returnees of Zion - we were like dreamers" (Tehillim 126:1). The great miracle we celebrate today could not have occurred without the centuries of longing for our ancient homeland that pushed our pioneers and warriors against all odds to reclaim Eretz Yisrael. This difficult fifty-third year of the State of Israel has only reinforced that willingness to defend and protect our country and right to live therein with true sovereignty, peace and security.
Yom Ha-atzma'ut Samei'ach!!