Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin, the opening speaker at the ceremony, said that the state of Israel should not be taken for granted. "I was nine years old when the State of Israel was born," he said. "I know that the state is not something which should be taken for granted. The flag that flies here should not be taken for granted."
This year's ceremony was particular somber in memory of
Hila Bezaleli, a 20-year-old IDF officer who was killed in a work accident preparing for the event. Hila's parents, Sigalit and Yaron Bezaleli, lit the first torch of the ceremony along with Rivlin.
Israelis were beginning to celebrate the country's 64th birthday, as free outdoor concerts and shows were being held across the country. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis are expected to visit Israel's national parks, beaches and forests Thursday on the joyous national holiday.
Ceremonies were held in remembrance of the 22,993 soldiers who have fallen in defense of Israel since 1860 – the year the first Jews left Jerusalem’s Old City walls to settle other parts of the country.
