‘A generation of hope’: Israel marks 76 years of independence as war rages
Many Israelis have said they won't celebrate this year's Independence Day as Israeli hostages are still held in Gaza.

Israel celebrated 76 years of Independence on Monday evening, following a painful Memorial Day which commemorated the fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks.
Many Israelis have said they will not mark his year’s Independence Day as Israeli hostages are still held in Gaza and the nation mourns the horrors of October 7.
President Herzog held an annual ceremony at his residence, recognising 120 outstanding soldiers.
“We are proud of our independence, of the miracle that is the State of Israel, but our hearts are full of sorrow and pain. With us here are dear and beloved bereaved families. These days we are full of the pain of bereavement, pain for the wounded, the pain for civilians uprooted from their homes, the pain for the hostages,” he said.
“I reiterate – there is no greater Mitzvah than redeeming captives, and as I said we need to act with courage. We need to choose life. We will not rest or be silent. We will not rest or be silent – until our sons and daughters return home to their borders,” Herzog added.
The president also said he had debated considerably whether it was right to hold the traditional ceremony this year for Independence Day in light of “so much pain, mourning, so much concern for hostages and soldiers, so much sorrow and grief – how can we behave as usual?”
“Now, when I look at you – 120 outstanding soldiers of the IDF – I know I made the right decision. You are 120 beacons of light. 120 sources of comfort. 120 sources of hope. Your bravery, excellence, determination, you comradery and love for the people, nation, and homeland – are the source of our strength and inspiration. You lift the spirit of the people, and the whole nation salutes you,” he said.
“We will not let the enemy defeat us. We are determined, together, to sound the historical, emotional, and binding melody of our nation, and of our beloved country – the State of Israel. A melody woven from generation to generation, a melody bound up in the eternal command: Am Yisrael Chai.”
Many of the solderers honoured at the ceremony “fought on the battlefield… saved lives and lost friends. Some of you were injured, even severely, and some of you joined the painful family of the bereaved. Your excellence and bravery are not a result of the weapons you carried or the orders you fulfilled. Excellence is a decision – your choice – to overcome all challenges, and to rise to the occasion, each and every one in their own way and within their role – on the frontline or at the rear.”
Despite the prospects of more fighting in Gaza and a looming war in the north with Hezbollah, Herzog said the soldiers belong to a “generation of Israelis committed to leadership and giving of yourselves. A generation of hope.”
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