29th of April. Our literature salon was devoted to memorable dates of the Jewish history: Memorial Day in Honor of Jewish Soldiers and Independence Day of Israel. We talked about heroic deeds of Israeli soldiers and courage of Jewish people, about victims of the first independence war. The date when they were killed became a Memorial Day of all soldiers killed during the wars of Israel. These people died but in ten hours a new state appeared on the world’s map - resurrected Israel. The next day became the Independence Day. People of Israel had to overcome five more wars and had five victories.

We commemorated the killed by a minute of silence, lit candles, recited prayer Izkor about killed soldiers of the Defense Army of Israel.

During the World War II fascists killed 6 million of Jews. This catastrophe made us understand that the only solution is to create an independent Jewish state in Eretz Israel, only there our people would be able to live free and safely.

It was not easy for the new country to develop. There was a lot of work, lots of challengers. People gave all their knowledge and efforts to develop the country. A small country surrounded by enemies, without many natural resources currently is a strong country with an effective army and cutting edge arms. Not only has the army made the country strong. There are many educated people, scientists, inventors - real patriots of this country. Israel proved that it is capable to defend itself and will never allow Holocaust to happen again.

Congratulations with the 61st anniversary of Independence, Israel! We wish our country continued progress and prosperity! I will repeat the words from Izkor once again: "Let memory of heroic defenders of freedom stay forever in the hearts of Israel."

Ida Bukina