ISRAEL 8 May 2008 Israel marks 60th anniversary of independence. A cue for more violence or for peace initiative breakthrough?

Israel reaches an important milestone in 2008, the 60th anniversary of the nation's creation. Independence was attained on 14 May 1948. Palestinians mark the milestone on May 15, the anniversary of the start of the war on 15 May 1948 between Israel and the Arabs that was triggered by the independence proclamation, as Yom al-Nakba (Catastrophe Day.)

Israel's celebrations take place according to the Hebrew calendar on 5 Iyar, which corresponds to a date on the Gregorian calendar that changes each year. Yom Ha'atzmaut, Independence Day, begins at sunset on 7 May and ends at sunset on 8 May. The anniversary is always preceded by Yom Hazikaron — Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers. Most of the Jewish communities outside Israel have incorporated Israel's Independence Day into their celebrations calendar.

As Israelis celebrated their nation's 59th independence in 2007, Gaza-based Palestinian militants launched a rocket and mortar barrage against communities in southern Israel. The the 60th anniversary could trigger renewed violence, or it could be used as a symbolic date to lift the peace initiative launched by the United States in November to a new level. The so-called Wye River Memorandum was signed, though never implemented, in the year of the 50th independence anniversary.

It's a day of patriotic fervor in Israel. Star of David flags hang from lampposts and stream from car windows to mark the occasion. Likely events in Israel over the period include a march by thousands of soldiers through Jerusalem, military displays, concerts, galas, dancing, festivals, exhibitions and other cultural events. Many will be in Jerusalem to drive home the Israel's contention that the city is the Israeli capital. A re-enactment of the declaration of Israel's independence is a usual part of the anniversary events, and takes place at the Great Synagogue in Tel Aviv.

A ceremony that awards the "Israel Prize," which recognizes individual Israelis for their contribution to the country's culture, science, arts and the humanities, wraps up the national holiday.

The independence of the modern State of Israel was achieved in 1948 after more than sixty years of efforts by Zionist leaders to establish sovereignty and self-determination in the Palestine. The British Mandate ended 14 May 1948 and the state of Israel was proclaimed on the same day. It triggered a war against Arab states, which bitterly opposed the proclamation. The armistice signed months later proved to be a mere hiatus in hostilities that have continued through 60 years. Most agreements have foundered on the questions of territory, refugees and the status of Jerusalem. UPDATED Jan/08

RELATED READING:

For many Palestinians, "return" is not a goal (NYT Select 26 Mar 2007)
http://select.nytimes.com/search/restricted/article?res=FB0A14FD39540C758EDDAA0894DF404482

Israel at 50 (BBC)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/events/israel_at_50/israel_today/default.stm