Independence Day celebrations hosted by President Shimon Peres at Beit Hanassi began on Tuesday as the president sang the song "It is possible" with pop star Miri Mesika. The celebrations included an air force flyby and a ceremony in which the President’s Prize for excellence was distributed to 120 soldiers from different branches of the IDF.
The President congratulated soldiers and said that "the IDF’s 120 soldiers of excellence warm the hearts of the people carrying the torch of the future." "We proved that from stubborn earth we can create a flowering garden. I am convinced that the entire region will learn that there is a real need for freedom and human dignity," Peres said during the ceremony.
Addressing Israel’s youth the president said: "Take this wonderful land on your wide and fresh shoulders. Raise it and do not hesitate to redesign the future in a grand way."
"Design the Israel of peace. A democratic Israel in a democratic Middle East. An Israel where all citizens are treated equally, without regard for religion or nationality," the president continued.
A new Independence Day tradition, which began last year, was kept up: The prime minister, defense minister and the chief of General Staff chose their favorite song to sing with the crowd at Beit Hanassi.
Netanyahu chose the song "Jerusalem of Gold" in a duet with Kobi Aflalo and Barak chose the song "Here I am" in a duet with popular singer Harel Skaat.
The IAF and Navy held celebratory demonstrations in the air and the sea that could be seen along Israel’s Mediterranean coast.
People throughout the country made their way to parks, forests and beaches across the country Tuesday morning to continue Independence Day celebrations which got underway on Monday night.
The abrupt transition from Remembrance Day to Independence Day was marked by the annual torch-lighting ceremony on the capital’s Mount Herzl.
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